There are many different symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which can vary from person to person and change slightly every month.
PMS symptoms vary in intensity, or slightly different symptoms every few months. PMS tends to be different for every woman.
The symptoms of PMS usually happen at the same time in each menstrual cycle each month. This can be up to two weeks before the period starts.
Symptoms usually improve once the period has started and disappear until the cycle starts again.
More than 100 different symptoms of PMS have been recorded. Some of the most common are listed below.
- feeling bloated
- pain and discomfort in your abdomen (tummy)
- muscle and joint pain
- breast pain
- trouble sleeping (insomnia)
Psychological and behavioural symptoms
- feeling upset or emotional
- mood swings
- feeling irritable or angry
- difficulty concentrating
- confusion and forgetfulness
loss of libido – loss of interest in sex
appetite changes or food cravings
Source NHS Choices