Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition that affects many women 3 to 10 days before the beginning of their menstrual period. The syndrome has a variety of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, sudden mood changes, crying easily, feeling angry or irritable, headaches, swelling, breast soreness, constipation, food cravings, and fatigue. Women affected by PMS may have any number of these symptoms at the same time, and the symptoms may be mild or severe.
The cause of PMS is unknown. Most doctors believe the symptoms result from hormone changes that take place during the menstrual cycle. See Menstruation .
Doctors distinguish PMS from other conditions by the time at which it occurs. If the symptoms occur dur-ing the few days before the woman’s menstrual period begins and at no other time, the condition is PMS.
Some women can ease symptoms of PMS by exercis-ing regularly and by changing their diet to meet the needs of the body. Many women with severe symptoms need medication for relief. Drugs that prevent the normal hormone changes of the menstrual cycle seem to be the most effective.
