Do I Have PMS?
Key takeaways:
PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is a set of symptoms caused by monthly hormone changes in your body.
The symptoms of PMS usually begin about a week before your period starts, and can last through the first several days of your period — or sometimes longer.
Although PMS is generally due to normal hormone fluctuations, there are things you can do to make it less of a problem for you.
What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
Several days before you get your period, the hormone levels in your body start changing fast. This is a normal part of the menstrual cycle, but for some people it can have unpleasant consequences.
The effects these hormones have on your body are called premenstrual syndrome, or PMS.
What are the symptoms of PMS?
PMS can cause many different types of symptoms. Some of the most common are:
Belly pain or cramps
Digestive problems, diarrhea, or bloating
Migraines or headaches
Feeling tired or having difficulty sleeping
Breast tenderness
Trouble concentrating
Irritability, moodiness, or sadness
Anxiety or depression
How long does PMS last?
For most people, PMS symptoms kick in about a week before their period, and then gradually get better once their period starts.
Who gets PMS?
Most people who get periods experience PMS at some point.
PMS can take different forms in different people, and can affect different parts of your body at different times. It can also change throughout your life.
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How do I know if I have PMS?
If you’re experiencing symptoms you think could be PMS, the telltale sign is that the symptom(s) occur in a monthly pattern related to your period.
The best way to know if there’s a connection is to keep track of everything on a calendar.
What can I do about PMS?
Just because PMS is caused by natural hormone changes doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. If you have PMS, there are things you can do to make your symptoms less of a problem.
Straightforward ways to help with PMS
When PMS is getting to you, it can help to give your body the care it needs. Here are a few things to try:
Get a bit more sleep than usual.
Do some light exercise or stretching.
Focus on good nutrition, with a diet rich in vegetables and low in fatty or salty foods.
Drink plenty of water, and avoid caffeine.
Relax with a hot water bottle on your abdomen.
Take ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) for cramps or headaches.
Treat your PMS symptoms
Since PMS can cause many different symptoms, the right treatment for you will depend on exactly what you’re experiencing.
A headache is still a headache when it’s caused by menstrual hormones. And sadness caused by PMS is still sadness. Treat your symptoms based on what you need.
One thing to remember about PMS symptoms is that they happen according to a pattern. You can predict when you’ll start to feel bad, and that’s powerful, because it means you can take steps to keep it from interfering with your life.
Prescription treatments for PMS
When PMS gets in the way of the life you want to live, it’s important to take action.
If you’ve tried treating PMS at home but it just isn’t working, talk to your healthcare provider about other steps you can take. Solutions for specific problems, like migraines, acne, or depression, are often available.
There are times when you might even need stronger treatment against PMS symptoms. In those situations, the solution might be to change the hormone cycles themselves. Oral contraceptive pills (birth control pills) and other hormonal birth control methods make this possible.
Work with your healthcare provider if you need to tone down, schedule, or even stop your monthly hormone changes using prescription medication. New technologies are available to deliver medications at lower doses than ever before. And for some people, putting a pause on menstrual cycles is not just safe, it can also offer health and lifestyle benefits.
Talking about PMS
Too often, people are shy about discussing menstrual cycles. But the hormone changes caused by your monthly cycle are a normal part of having a healthy body. Symptoms linked to these hormones are often a fact of life — not something to be embarrassed about.
It’s especially important to have an honest discussion with your healthcare provider if you have concerns. Sometimes menstrual problems, especially when they’re getting in the way of normal life, can be a sign of something else going on in your body.
Health professionals, including school nurses and others who work with young people in schools and universities, can be excellent resources for more information about menstrual cycles and PMS.
The bottom line
PMS is a common problem for people who get periods. Monthly hormone changes can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe.
Belly pain, headaches, acne, and mood changes that come and go on a monthly pattern can be part of PMS. It’s worth finding a way to treat them, especially when they interfere with your life. If you have PMS that is causing you problems, talk to your healthcare provider. Your menstrual cycle can hold clues to your health. If something doesn’t seem right, it’s worth making the effort to ask.
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