Premenstrual Syndrome Supplements

What is Premenstrual Syndrome?
Premenstrual syndrome (also called PMS) involves a variety of physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms tied to a woman’s menstrual cycle. Symptoms occur during the days before a woman's period starts. They usually go away after the first day or two of flow. Premenstrual emotional and physical changes occur in nearly 80% of menstruating women. Methods of treatment PMS vary widely and can include medical and alternative approaches.

Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms
The symptoms vary from woman to woman and cycle to cycle.
Symptoms may include: nervous tension mood swings; depression, anxiety; feeling out of control; swelling of ankles, feet, and hands; breast tenderness; headache; food cravings; diarrhea, nausea; backache; abdominal pain; abdominal fullness, feeling gaseous.

Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) is not considered a symptom of PMS.

Premenstrual Syndrome Causes
Once PMS begins, the symptoms often continue until menopause. It is not clear what causes premenstrual syndrome. Some women may be more sensitive than others to changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. A combination of genetic, physiological, and environmental causes are likely.