We now know that premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is experienced by 60% of all women. What causes PMS has been difficult for researchers to pin down because each woman experiences symptoms differently.

PMS Symptoms

When making the diagnosis, the most important tool you can use is a chart of the cyclic nature in which they occur. If nothing is done to interrupt PMS, it often gets worse over time. You may begin by having symptoms just a few days before your period that stop abruptly as soon as your period begins. Later, the symptoms gradually begin to appear one to two weeks before the onset of menses. Over time, you may have only two or three days of the month that are symptom-free. Eventually no discernable pattern of good days and bad days can be detected. You feel as if you have PMS all of the time.

There are general symptoms that have been determined that include:

• Abdominal bloating

• Abdominal cramping

• Accident proneness, coordination difficulties

• Acne, hives

• Aggression, rage

• Alcohol intolerance

• Anxiety, irritability, suicidal thoughts

• Asthma

• Back pain

• Breast swelling and pain

• Bruising

• Confusion

• Depression, withdrawal from others, emotional liability

• Edema

• Exacerbation of preexisting conditions (lupus, arthritis, ulcers, herpes, etc.)

• Fatigue, lethargy

• Fainting

• Food binges, salt cravings, sweet cravings

• Headache, migraine

• Heart palpitations

• Insomnia

• Joint swelling and pain

• Nausea

• Seizures

• Sex drive changes

• Sinus problems

• Sore throat

• Urinary difficulties

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