Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS refers to a set of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the one to two weeks before menstruation and usually resolve once the period begins. Symptoms include bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, irritability, fatigue, food cravings, and difficulty sleeping.

PMS is linked to hormonal fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone after ovulation. Changes in brain chemicals such as serotonin may also play a role. Risk factors include high stress, lack of exercise, poor sleep, family history of PMS, and underlying anxiety or depression.

Contact your healthcare provider if PMS symptoms are severe, disrupt daily activities, or include extreme mood changes. Severe cases may be diagnosed as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which requires medical evaluation and treatment.