Mood swings, breast pain, food cravings, exhaustion, irritability and depression are signs and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS is thought to affect three out of four women who have menstruation at some point.
Symptoms tend to recur and follow a predictable pattern. PMS causes physical and emotional changes that can range from mild to severe.
SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of emotional and behavioral disorders
- Anxiety or tension.
- Depressed state of mind.
- Tearful episodes.
- Irritability or wrath, as well as mood swings.
- Changes in appetite and food desires.
- Having difficulty falling asleep (insomnia).
- Withdrawal from social situations.
- Problems with concentration.
- Libido fluctuations.
Symptoms and physical indicators
- Muscle or joint pain.
- Headache.
- Fatigue.
- Fluid retention causes weight growth.
- Swelling in the abdomen.
- Soreness in the breasts.
- Acne breakouts.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Intolerance to alcohol.
Physical pain and emotional stress are severe enough for some people to interfere with their daily lives. Regardless of the severity of symptoms, most women's signs and symptoms diminish within four days of the start of their monthly period.
Premenstrual syndrome, on the other hand, affects a tiny percentage of women and causes disabling symptoms every month. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is the name for this type of PMS (PMDD).
