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PMS is a syndrome that describes the collection of symptoms that may be experienced by females before or during their menstruation (period). The symptoms are directly related to the fluctuations and changes in a woman's menstrual cycle. Most women will experience mild effects of the hormone fluctuations.

PMS applies to women whose symptoms are noticeable and are severe enough to affect their quality of life. PMS symptoms can be mental, emotional or physical. Emotional symptoms include tearfulness, agitation, moodiness, irritability, excitability, anxiety, stress, depression and tiredness. Mental symptoms include: poor concentration, poor memory and a reduction in coping mechanisms. Physical symptoms include water retention, breast pain and swelling, headaches, fatigue, menstrual pain and acne. These are just a few symptoms, some authors describe as many as a hundred and fifty symptoms that may be experienced during PMS.

Although each women experiences different symptoms, the collection of symptoms experienced by a particular woman are usually similar each menstrual cycle. PMS symptoms may start up to two weeks before menstruation (bleeding) begins. PMS can be a very difficult process and severe PMS symptoms may lead to chronic anxiety and depression. Balancing the hormones and the mind are vital when dealing with PMS symptoms. If you are experiencing PMS symptoms that affect your work, relationships, health or happiness then please consult a healthcare practitioner.