Experiences with

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

Each woman's symptoms are different and can vary from month to month, but most women have PMS (premenstrual syndrome) at some point.

The most common symptoms of PMS include:

• mood swings
• feeling depressed or irritable
• feeling upset, anxious or emotional
• tiredness or trouble sleeping
• bloating or cramping
• breast tenderness
• headaches
• spotty skin
• greasy hair
• changes in appetite or food cravings

Things you can try to help for PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

There are things you can try to help ease your PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms.

• exercise regularly

• eat a healthy, balanced diet – you may find eating frequent smaller meals every 2 to 3 hours better

• get plenty of sleep

• try reducing your stress by doing yoga or meditation

• take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease the pain

• keep a diary of your symptoms for at least 2 menstrual cycles – you can take this to a GP appointment

• do not smoke

• do not drink too much alcohol

You have symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and:

• lifestyle changes have not helped
• your symptoms are affecting your daily life

A GP can advise you on treatments that can help.

Treatments for PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

If you have PMS (premenstrual syndrome), a GP may recommend other treatments as well as making lifestyle changes.

These may include:

• hormonal medicine, such as the combined contraceptive pill
• cognitive behavioural therapy
• antidepressants

If you still get symptoms after trying these treatments, you may be referred to a specialist.

This could be a gynaecologist, psychiatrist or counsellor.

Complementary therapies and dietary supplements for PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

Complementary therapies and dietary supplements may help with PMS, but there's not much evidence that they work.

These can include:

• acupuncture
• reflexology
• supplements such as vitamin B6, calcium, vitamin D and magnesium

Check with a GP or pharmacist if you're also taking medicines before starting to take regular supplements.

Causes of PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

It's not fully understood why women get PMS (premenstrual syndrome).

But it may be because of changes in their hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.

Some women may be more affected by these changes than others.

• you have symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and are feeling suicidal

Symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) include mood swings, tiredness, tummy pain, headaches and spotty skin.

Getting plenty of sleep and taking painkillers can help with PMS (premenstrual syndrome).

Treatments for PMS (premenstrual syndrome) from a GP may include antidepressants or hormonal medicine like the combined contraceptive pill.

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is thought to be linked to changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.

Related links

PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

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