Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the name of a group of medical symptoms that start one or two weeks before menstruation. The symptoms of PMS typically stop soon after menstruation begins. Most women feel some discomfort before menstruation begins but PMS can cause you to feel so anxious, depressed or uncomfortable that you can't cope at home or at work. Some of the symptoms of PMS include depression, tender breasts, food cravings, mood swings, tiredness, irritability and other unsettling feelings. PMS symptoms may be worse some months and better others. PMS seems to be linked in part to changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. PMS is not caused by stress or psychological problems, though these may make the symptoms of PMS worse. Learn more about the condition of premenstrual syndrome with information on causes, symptoms, history, and treatments.