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PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is the name for the symptoms women can experience in the weeks before their period. It can affect anyone who has periods. You can get help if it affects your daily life.

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.

Do

  • 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

Don’t

  • do not smoke

  • do not drink too much alcohol

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

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:

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

Important

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.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

A small number of women may experience more severe symptoms of PMS known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Symptoms of PMDD are similar to PMS, but are much more intense and can have a much greater negative impact on your everyday life.

Symptoms can include:

  • headaches and joint and muscle pain
  • overeating and problems sleeping
  • feeling very anxious, angry, depressed or suicidal

It's not clear what causes PMDD, but it's been linked to being very sensitive to changes in hormones, or certain differences in the genes you inherit from your parents.

Information:

Find out more

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

  • you have symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and are feeling suicidal
Find your nearest A&E
Information:

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

Page last reviewed: 18 June 2024
Next review due: 18 June 2027