premenstrual syndrome

Also known as PMS, PMS ; Premenstrual Syndrome, premenstrual tension

physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the one to two weeks before a woman's period.

AI overview

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the one to two weeks before a woman's period. It matters because these symptoms can affect a woman's daily life and well-being during this time each month.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Key facts

Specialty: Gynecology , psychiatry
Symptoms: Fatigue , irritability and other mood changes, tender breasts , abdominal bloating
Complications: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Usual onset: 1–2 weeks before menstruation
Duration: 6 days
Causes: Unknown
Risk factors: High-salt diet, alcohol , caffeine
Diagnostic method: Based on symptoms
Treatment: Lifestyle changes, medication
Medication: Calcium and vitamin D supplementation, NSAIDs , birth control pills
Frequency: ~25% of women

via Wikipedia infobox

Article

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a disruptive set of emotional and physical symptoms that regularly occur in the one to two weeks before the start of each menstrual period. Symptoms resolve around the time menstrual bleeding begins. Symptoms vary, though commonly include one or more physical, emotional, or behavioral symptoms, that resolve with menses. The range of symptoms is wide, and most commonly are breast tenderness, bloating, headache, mood swings, depression, anxiety, anger, and irritability. To be diagnosed as PMS, rather than a normal discomfort of the menstrual cycle, these symptoms must interfere with daily living, during two menstrual cycles of prospective recording. PMS-related symptoms are often present for about six days. An individual's pattern of symptoms may change over time. PMS does not produce symptoms during pregnancy or following menopause.

Diagnosis requires a consistent pattern of emotional and physical symptoms occurring after ovulation and before menstruation to a degree that interferes with normal life. Emotional symptoms must not be present during the initial part of the menstrual cycle. A daily list of symptoms over a few months may help in diagnosis. Other disorders that cause similar symptoms need to be excluded before a diagnosis is made.