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Almost every woman has experienced PMS symptoms at some time in her life. About 90% of women in childbearing age have encountered at least one episode. In most cases, symptoms appear 7--10 days before the menstrual period and then subside. If they occur at times other than during the cycle, then they are caused by different disorders unrelated to PMS.
The National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome has identified over 150 different symptoms of PMS. Of course, they do not appear all at once, but can vary in each woman. Often, their quality depends on the individual woman's current emotional state.
PMS comprises a broad range of physical and emotional symptoms.
The most common physical complaints are:
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Intestinal disorders (diarrhea or constipation)
- Backache
- Headache
- Breast pain
- Fluid retention
- General fatigue
- Swelling (hands, ankles, legs)
- Abdominal bloating
Common emotional features include:
- Aggressiveness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Tendency to cry
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Mood change
- Changes in libido
Increased sensitivity is very common during the premenstrual period. Sometimes, the emotional symptoms can be very pronounced. Intense depression, irritability and tension is referred to as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD). This occurs in only 3-8% of cases.
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