What are the symptoms of PMS?

Bottom linePMS symptoms appear in the 1 to 2 weeks before a period and ease once it starts; physical ones include bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, fatigue, cramps, acne, and cravings, while emotional ones include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, low mood, and brain fog. The defining feature is the timing, and severe, disruptive emotional symptoms may indicate PMDD, which is treatable.

PMS symptoms appear in the luteal phase (the 1 to 2 weeks before your period) and ease once bleeding starts. Most people have a few, not all, and the pattern is usually consistent month to month.

Physical symptoms

• Bloating and water retention
• Breast tenderness or swelling
• Headaches or migraines
• Fatigue and low energy
• Cramping and lower back ache
• Acne breakouts
• Food cravings or appetite changes
• Constipation or diarrhea

Emotional and mental symptoms

• Mood swings and irritability
• Anxiety or feeling on edge
• Low mood or tearfulness
• Trouble concentrating ("brain fog")
• Changes in sleep (too much or too little)
• Lower libido

The key feature

What makes it PMS is the timing: symptoms come before your period and resolve once it starts. If they're constant, something else may be going on.

When to see a doctor

If symptoms are severe and disrupt daily life or relationships, especially the emotional ones, you may have PMDD, which is treatable.

See what is PMDD and track symptoms in Femora.

Femora's symptom logging confirms whether your symptoms truly follow your cycle, the hallmark of PMS.