What is PMS?
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to a range of physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms that occur in the one to two weeks before your period starts. Symptoms usually improve once your period begins and disappear shortly after.
PMS is very common and affects up to 3 in 4 people who menstruate at some point in their life
What causes PMS?
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to be related to hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle—especially fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones can affect brain chemicals like serotonin, which influences mood.
What are the symptoms of PMS?
Physical symptoms:
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches or migraines
- Tiredness/fatigue
- Cramps or backache
- Changes in appetite or food cravings
- Trouble sleeping
Emotional/mental symptoms:
- Mood swings
- Irritability or anger
- Feeling anxious or overwhelmed
- Tearfulness or sadness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Low sex drive
Everyone experiences PMS differently—some have only mild symptoms, while others find it disrupts their daily life.
How is PMS diagnosed?
There’s no specific test for PMS. Diagnosis is usually based on:
- A detailed history of your symptoms
- Tracking symptoms over 2–3 menstrual cycles
- Noting when symptoms start and stop in relation to your period
Keeping a symptom diary can help identify patterns.
How is PMS managed or treated?
Lifestyle changes:
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a balanced diet and limit caffeine, sugar, and alcohol
- Try to get enough sleep
- Practice stress-reduction techniques (e.g. yoga, deep breathing)
Medications:
- Pain relief (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen) for cramps or headaches
- Hormonal contraception (e.g., the pill) to regulate or suppress hormone fluctuations
- SSRIs (antidepressants like fluoxetine or sertraline) for mood symptoms
- Diuretics to relieve bloating (occasionally used)
Other options:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help with emotional symptoms
- Vitamin B6, magnesium, or calcium supplements may help in some cases (check with your doctor first)
When Should I See a Doctor About PMS?
You should consider speaking to a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Severe Physical Symptoms:
- Intense breast tenderness, bloating, or headaches
- Persistent fatigue or muscle pain that interferes with daily activities
- Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
- Extreme Mood Changes:
- Severe anxiety, irritability, or depression that affects your relationships or work
- Mood swings that feel unmanageable or out of character
- Feelings of hopelessness or excessive anger
- Symptoms Lasting Beyond Your Period:
- If your symptoms extend well beyond your menstrual cycle, it could indicate an underlying condition, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or hormonal imbalance.
- Difficulty with Daily Life:
- If PMS is affecting your ability to go to work, socialise, or maintain daily routines, it’s time to seek support.
What We Can Do at WWWW:
At WWWW, we offer:
- Comprehensive Assessments to understand your symptoms and triggers
- Personalised Treatment Plans, including lifestyle modifications, dietary advice, and medical management
- Hormonal Therapies to balance fluctuations that cause PMS symptoms
- Support for Emotional Wellbeing, recognising that PMS can impact mental health
You don’t have to struggle with severe PMS alone. Book a consultation with us today and find the support you need to feel your best, every day of the month.