PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

Symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

Each woman's symptoms are different and can vary from month to month, but most women have PMS (premenstrual syndrome) at some point.

The most common symptoms of PMS include:

• mood swings
• feeling depressed or irritable
• feeling upset, anxious or emotional
• tiredness or trouble sleeping
• bloating or cramping
• breast tenderness
• headaches
• spotty skin
• greasy hair
• changes in appetite or food cravings

Things you can try to help for PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

There are things you can try to help ease your PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms.

Treatments for PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

If you have PMS (premenstrual syndrome), a GP may recommend other treatments as well as making lifestyle changes.

These may include:

• hormonal medicine, such as the combined contraceptive pill
• cognitive behavioural therapy
• antidepressants

If you still get symptoms after trying these treatments, you may be referred to a specialist.

This could be a gynaecologist, psychiatrist or counsellor.

Complementary therapies and dietary supplements for PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

Complementary therapies and dietary supplements may help with PMS, but there's not much evidence that they work.

These can include:

• acupuncture
• reflexology
• supplements such as vitamin B6, calcium, vitamin D and magnesium

Causes of PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

It's not fully understood why women get PMS (premenstrual syndrome).

But it may be because of changes in their hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.

Some women may be more affected by these changes than others.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

A small number of women may experience more severe symptoms of PMS known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Symptoms of PMDD are similar to PMS, but are much more intense and can have a much greater negative impact on your everyday life.

Symptoms can include:

• headaches and joint and muscle pain
• overeating and problems sleeping
• feeling very anxious, angry, depressed or suicidal

It's not clear what causes PMDD, but it's been linked to being very sensitive to changes in hormones, or certain differences in the genes you inherit from your parents.