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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of emotional, physical, psychological, and mood disturbances that occur after a woman's ovulation and typically ending with the onset of her menstrual flow. The most common mood-related symptoms are irritability, depression, crying, oversensitivity, and mood swings. The most common physical symptoms are fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness (mastalgia), acne, and appetite changes with food cravings.

A more severe form of PMS, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), also known as late luteal phase dysphoric disorder) occurs in a smaller number of women and leads to significant loss of function because of unusually severe symptoms. The American Psychiatric Association characterizes PMDD as a severe form of PMS in which anger, irritability, and anxiety or tension are especially prominent.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has been the term used for mood, and sometimes physical, symptoms that occur cyclically (predictably in relation to menses) in the second half of the menstrual cycle and interfere with a woman's quality of life. Some women experience even more severe symptoms. These women may have a conditions known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

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