Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a syndrome of behavioural and physical symptoms that occur during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Symptoms resolve within a few days after menses starts and usually last about 6 days per cycle.  In its more severe form (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder or PMDD), marked irritability is prominent in addition to the usual PMS symptoms, which can include:

• Irritability/mood swings/crying spells/sadness
• Feeling of being “on edge”
• Breast tenderness
• Bloating, fluid retention
• Extreme fatigue
• Hot flashes
• Headaches
• Anxiety/tension

These symptoms can be due to an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone. Management of this imbalance can help reduce symptoms. Exercise, diet, and stress reduction techniques are also helpful.