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Each woman's symptoms are different and can vary from month to month, but most women have PMS (premenstrual syndrome) at some point.
The most common symptoms of PMS include:
There are things you can try to help ease your PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms.
exercise regularly
eat a healthy, balanced diet – you may find eating frequent smaller meals every 2 to 3 hours better
get plenty of sleep
try reducing your stress by doing yoga or meditation
take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease the pain
keep a diary of your symptoms for at least 2 menstrual cycles – you can take this to a GP appointment
do not smoke
do not drink too much alcohol
You have symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and:
A GP can advise you on treatments that can help.
If you have PMS (premenstrual syndrome), a GP may recommend other treatments as well as making lifestyle changes.
These may include:
If you still get symptoms after trying these treatments, you may be referred to a specialist.
This could be a gynaecologist, psychiatrist or counsellor.
Complementary therapies and dietary supplements may help with PMS, but there's not much evidence that they work.
These can include:
Check with a GP or pharmacist if you're also taking medicines before starting to take regular supplements.
It's not fully understood why women get PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
But it may be because of changes in their hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.
Some women may be more affected by these changes than others.
A small number of women may experience more severe symptoms of PMS known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Symptoms of PMDD are similar to PMS, but are much more intense and can have a much greater negative impact on your everyday life.
Symptoms can include:
It's not clear what causes PMDD, but it's been linked to being very sensitive to changes in hormones, or certain differences in the genes you inherit from your parents.
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
