Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Menopause Quiz
3. What's Causing Your Pelvic Pain Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Definition
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Causes
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Diagnosis
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Treatment
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Self-Care at Home
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Medications
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Other Therapy
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Prevention
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Prognosis
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Author and Editor
• Read more on Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) from Healthwise
• Pictures of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) - Slideshow
• Test Your Menopause IQ - Quiz
• Pictures of What's Causing Your Pelvic Pain - Slideshow
• Viewer Comments: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) - Effective Treatments

Premenstrual syndrome (known as PMS) involves a variety of physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms tied to a woman's menstrual cycle. By definition, symptoms occur during the two weeks before a woman's period starts, known as the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The symptoms typically become more intense in the 2-3 days prior to the period and usually resolve after the first day or two of flow.

PMS is a complex health concern. Around 20%-30% of menstruating women are believed to suffer from PMS.

• PMS usually occurs in women in their fourth and fifth decades of life (aged 30-49 years). For a small number of women, it can be severely incapacitating. A woman who has had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may still experience PMS if at least one ovary remains.
• Because many different processes may contribute to PMS, methods of treatment vary widely and can include medical and alternative approaches. Surgery is a last resort.
• As many as 3%-8% of women may have a more severe condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMS and PMDD are not the same. Women with PMDD have more severe symptoms that have a significant impact upon their daily functions. The two may occur together, or a woman may have one and not the other.

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