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Premenstrual syndrome is a group of emotional and physical symptoms that occur before the menstrual flow begins. The condition is also called premenstrual tension. It affects about 80% of women of childbearing age, particularly those between 30 and 40.
The PMS syndrome includes many symptoms that can vary in each woman. They usually appear 7 to 10 days before menstruation and subside with the start of the menstrual flow.
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The symptoms' intensity varies as well. In 50% of cases, symptoms are mild to moderate, while in the other 50% they can be severe and intense. They can also influence the quality of life of women who suffer from them.
The menstrual cycle ranges from 25 to 35 days. Normally, it lasts an average of 28 days and occurs in two phases:
1. Follicular phase. The first phase of the cycle. Its duration varies but is generally about 2 weeks. It starts with menses and extends to ovulation. It is during this period that estrogen levels begin to rise.
2. Luteal phase. The second phase of the cycle commonly known as the premenstrual phase. It lasts an average of 14 days, from the end of ovulation to the next start of menses. During this phase estrogen and progesterone are produced. If symptoms occur at times other than during the 2-week cycle, then they are caused by different disorders.
PMS occurs during the luteal phase, starting with ovulation.
Women who do not ovulate (women in pregnancy or menopause) do not suffer from PMS, which is why women taking oral contraceptives are not normally affected by it.
PMS is cyclical and can occur every month.
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