PMS

What is PMS?

PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome. It's the name for symptoms that many women get in the weeks before their period starts. If you have periods, you might experience PMS at some point - it's very common and affects most women.

What are the symptoms?

Everyone's symptoms are different and can change from month to month. The most common signs of PMS include:

Emotional symptoms:

• Mood swings
• Feeling sad or easily annoyed
• Feeling upset, worried or emotional

Physical symptoms:

• Feeling tired or having trouble sleeping
• Bloating or stomach cramps
• Sore breasts
• Headaches
• Spotty skin
• Greasy hair
• Changes in what you want to eat or food cravings

What can you do to help?

There are several things you can try at home to make PMS symptoms better:

Do:

• Exercise regularly - even a gentle walk can help
• Eat healthy, balanced meals - try eating smaller meals every 2-3 hours
• Get plenty of sleep
• Try to reduce stress with yoga or meditation
• Take painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol for pain
• Keep a diary of your symptoms for at least 2 monthly cycles - this can help when you speak to your GP

Don't:

• Smoke
• Drink too much alcohol

When should you speak to your GP?

You should see your GP if:

• The things you've tried at home haven't helped
• Your symptoms are affecting your daily life

Your GP can suggest other treatments that might help you feel better.

What treatments might your GP suggest?

Your GP might recommend:

• Hormonal medicine, such as the combined contraceptive pill
• Talking therapy (called cognitive behavioural therapy)
• Antidepressants

If these don't help, your GP might refer you to a specialist doctor or counsellor.

Other treatments

Some people find complementary therapies helpful, though there isn't strong evidence they work. These include:

• Acupuncture
• Reflexology
• Supplements like vitamin B6, calcium, vitamin D and magnesium

Important: Always check with your GP or pharmacist before taking regular supplements, especially if you're already taking other medicines.

What causes PMS?

Doctors aren't completely sure why PMS happens, but it's likely linked to changes in hormone levels during your monthly cycle. Some women seem more sensitive to these changes than others.

Severe PMS (PMDD)

A small number of women experience very severe PMS symptoms called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This includes:

• Severe headaches and muscle pain
• Eating too much and sleep problems
• Feeling very anxious, angry, sad or having thoughts of suicide

🚨 Red flag warning: If you have PMDD symptoms and feel suicidal, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. Don't drive yourself - ask someone else to drive you or call an ambulance.

Remember, PMS is common and treatable. If it's affecting your life, speak to your GP - they can help you find the right treatment.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.