What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

PMS is a group of symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle. PMS occurs in the week or two weeks before your period (menstruation or monthly bleeding). The symptoms usually go away after your period starts.

Premenstrual syndrome symptoms can affect menstruating women of any age. It is also different for each woman. PMS may be just a monthly bother or it may be so severe that it makes it hard to even get through the day. Monthly periods stop during menopause, bringing an end to PMS.

How common is premenstrual syndrome

Estimates of the percentage of women affected by PMS vary widely. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, at least 85 percent of menstruating women have at least one PMS symptom as part of their monthly cycle. Most of these women have symptoms that are fairly mild and do not need treatment. Some women (about three to eight percent of menstruating women) have a more severe form of PMS, called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

PMS occurs more often in women who:

Are between their late 20s and early 40s
Have at least one child
Have a family history of depression
Have a past medical history of either postpartum depression or a mood disorder