When do i pms

Learn more about current PMS treatment studies at clinicaltrials. For more information about PMS, call the OWH Helpline at or check out the following resources from other organizations:. Department of Health and Human Services.

ET closed on federal holidays. Premenstrual syndrome PMS. Premenstrual syndrome PMS Premenstrual syndrome PMS is a combination of symptoms that many women get about a week or two before their period.

What is PMS? Who gets PMS? Does PMS change with age? PMS stops after menopause when you no longer get a period. What are the symptoms of PMS? Physical symptoms of PMS can include: 12 Swollen or tender breasts Constipation or diarrhea Bloating or a gassy feeling Cramping Headache or backache Clumsiness Lower tolerance for noise or light Emotional or mental symptoms of PMS include: 12 Irritability or hostile behavior Feeling tired Sleep problems sleeping too much or too little Appetite changes or food cravings Trouble with concentration or memory Tension or anxiety Depression, feelings of sadness, or crying spells Mood swings Less interest in sex Talk to your doctor or nurse if your symptoms bother you or affect your daily life.

What causes PMS? How is PMS diagnosed? You probably have PMS if you have symptoms that: 12 Happen in the five days before your period for at least three menstrual cycles in a row End within four days after your period starts Keep you from enjoying or doing some of your normal activities Keep track of which PMS symptoms you have and how severe they are for a few months. How does PMS affect other health problems?

These are the most common conditions that overlap with PMS. Depression and anxiety symptoms are similar to PMS and may get worse before or during your period. Some women report that their symptoms often get worse right before their period. IBS causes cramping, bloating, and gas. Your IBS symptoms may get worse right before your period. Bladder pain syndrome. Women with bladder pain syndrome are more likely to have painful cramps during PMS. PMS may also worsen some health problems, such as asthma, allergies, and migraines.

What can I do at home to relieve PMS symptoms? These tips will help you be healthier in general, and may relieve some of your PMS symptoms. Get regular aerobic physical activity throughout the month.

Learn more about healthy eating for women. Get enough sleep. Try to get about eight hours of sleep each night. Lack of sleep is linked to depression and anxiety and can make PMS symptoms such as moodiness worse.

Talk to your friends or write in a journal. Some women also find yoga, 18 massage, 19 or meditation 20 helpful. What medicines can treat PMS symptoms? Over-the-counter and prescription medicines can help treat some PMS symptoms.

These include: Ibuprofen Naproxen Aspirin Some women find that taking an over-the-counter pain reliever right before their period starts lessens the amount of pain and bleeding they have during their period. You may need to try several different types of birth control before you find one that helps your symptoms.

Anti-anxiety medicine may help reduce feelings of anxiousness. All medicines have risks. Talk to your doctor or nurse about the benefits and risks. Should I take vitamins or minerals to treat PMS symptoms? Studies have found benefits for: Calcium. Studies show that calcium can help reduce some PMS symptoms, such as fatigue, cravings, and depression.

Some foods, such as orange juice, cereal, and bread, have calcium added fortified. You can also take a calcium supplement. Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 may help with PMS symptoms, including moodiness, irritability, forgetfulness, bloating, and anxiety. Vitamin B6 can be found in foods such as fish, poultry, potatoes, fruit except for citrus fruits , and fortified cereals. You can also take it as a dietary supplement.

Studies have found mixed results for: Magnesium. If you get menstrual migraines , talk to your doctor about whether you need more magnesium.

You can also take a supplement. Polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 and omega Studies show that taking a supplement with 1 to 2 grams of polyunsaturated fatty acids may help reduce cramps and other PMS symptoms.

What complementary or alternative medicines may help relieve PMS symptoms? Some herbal supplements women use to ease PMS symptoms include: Black cohosh. Black cohosh is most often used to help treat menopausal symptoms, 29 and some women use it to help relieve PMS symptoms. Women taking hormonal birth control or hormone therapy for menopause symptoms should not take chasteberry. Evening primrose oil.

Some over-the-counter pain relievers can also help. These medicines can work well for mild or moderate PMS. Talk to your doctor before you try one of these drugs. Then you can change your diet, exercise, and schedule to get through each month as smoothly as possible. Try not to get discouraged if it takes some time to find tips or medicine that help you. Treatment varies from one person to another. Your doctor can help you find the right treatment.

You may have read that some vitamins and other supplements, such as vitamin B6, vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, and tryptophan, can help relieve PMS. For example, vitamin B6 and vitamin E can cause side effects if you take too much of them. On the other hand, taking calcium pills may reduce symptoms of water retention, cramps, and back pain.

This article was contributed by: familydoctor. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Visit The Symptom Checker. Read More. Food Poisoning. Acute Bronchitis. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. Bursitis of the Hip. Table of Contents. What is PMS? Symptoms of PMS Most women feel some mild discomfort before their periods. It is also common for you to have some of these symptoms but not others: acne back pain bloated abdomen changes in appetite, including cravings for certain foods constipation crying spells depression fast heartbeat feeling irritable, tense, or anxious feeling tired headache hot flashes joint pain mood swings not feeling as interested in sex tender and swollen breasts trouble concentrating trouble sleeping swollen hands or feet wanting to be alone weight gain If your PMS symptoms are severe, you may have a condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder PMDD.

What causes PMS? How is PMS diagnosed? Can PMS be prevented or avoided? Read more about getting urgent help for mental health problems.

The exact causes of PMDD are unknown but it has been linked to sensitivity to changes in hormones or certain genetic variations differences in genes you can inherit from your parents.

Page last reviewed: 09 June Next review due: 09 June PMS premenstrual syndrome. Symptoms of PMS Each woman's symptoms are different and can vary from month to month.