What is PMS?

Bottom linePMS (premenstrual syndrome) is a cluster of physical and emotional symptoms (bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, mood swings, irritability) in the 1 to 2 weeks before a period that ease once it starts, driven by post-ovulation hormone shifts; exercise, sleep, reducing salt, caffeine, and alcohol, and stress management help, and severe disruptive symptoms may be PMDD, which is treatable.

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is the cluster of physical and emotional symptoms many people get in the 1 to 2 weeks before their period, during the luteal phase. Symptoms ease once your period starts.

Common symptoms

Physical:

• Bloating and water retention
• Breast tenderness
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Cramping, acne, food cravings

Emotional:

• Mood swings, irritability
• Anxiety or low mood
• Trouble concentrating
• Changes in sleep

Why it happens

PMS is linked to the natural hormone shifts after ovulation, especially the rise and fall of progesterone and estrogen, and how they interact with brain chemicals like serotonin.

What helps

• Regular exercise and good sleep
• Reducing salt, caffeine, and alcohol
• Stress management
• Some find NSAIDs, calcium/magnesium, or hormonal birth control helpful
• Tracking to anticipate symptoms

When to see a doctor

If symptoms are severe enough to disrupt your life or relationships, you may have PMDD (a more severe form), which is treatable.

Compare in PMS vs PMDD and read our PMS vs PMDD guide.

Femora helps you track PMS symptoms across cycles so you can predict and manage them.