Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a group of symptoms triggered by hormonal changes during a woman's menstrual cycle. Symptoms start one to two weeks before the period begins and most women experience at least a few symptoms of PMS. There is a more severe form of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder, PMDD, which has symptoms similar to PMS.
Emotional Symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome has a host of emotional symptoms, including depression and irritability. Many women experience sleep disturbances that, combined with hormonal changes, contribute to angry outbursts, confusion and poor concentration. There are also changes in appetite, including food cravings and social withdrawal.
Physical Symptoms
Many of the physical symptoms of PMS are associated with the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle. Many women experience bloating, weight gain accompanied by swelling in the hands and feet. There is also a tendency toward headaches and breast tenderness.
PMDD Symptoms
With PMDD, the symptoms are almost identical to PMS but much more severe. For example, with PMDD, the depression is more like that of a major depressive episode, with overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, anxiety and constant irritability. Patients also experience the same difficulty concentrating and sleep disturbances but at such a degree as to interfere with normal daily functioning. Women with PMDD are often prescribed antidepressants to help them cope with the potentially debilitating symptoms.
