Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

It is a condition that usually shows its signs just before menstruation. Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS affects a woman’s emotions, behavior, and physical health on certain days around her cycle. It is a very common condition – more than 90% of women are affected by its symptoms, but its causes remain unknown.

Recognising PMS Symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome symptoms typically appear in the one to two weeks before a period and ease once bleeding starts. PMS symptoms can include mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, and irritability, and the pattern often looks a little different from one woman to the next, though it tends to repeat cycle after cycle for the same individual, making it easier to recognise over time. Some women also notice PMS symptoms becoming more pronounced closer to perimenopause, which is worth mentioning at your next appointment.

When to Seek Treatment

When symptoms are more disruptive to daily life, premenstrual syndrome treatment may include specific medication to ease symptoms or regulate hormonal fluctuation. PMS treatment is not one size fits all, so our gynaecologists tailor the approach to what you are actually experiencing, rather than applying a generic checklist to every patient. Some women also find keeping a simple symptom diary useful ahead of these appointments, since it gives your doctor concrete detail to work from.