When Does PMS Start?

There are several different estimates regarding how many women are affected by premenstrual syndrome (PMS).  The numbers vary from as little as twenty percent up to seventy-five percent of all menstruating women experience some PMS symptoms or difficulties.  Most women affected by PMS report symptoms starting anytime after ovulation.  Ovulation occurs approximately two week before the start of your period.  During this time women experiencing this condition may notice a combination of physical and emotional changes that disappear shortly after the onset of menstruation.

Symptoms of PMS
There are many symptoms which may appear during PMS which range in intensity for each individual.  Some women are only mildly affected while others find the symptoms interfere with their daily life.  Here are a few of the physical and emotional symptoms that are associated with PMS.

• Pain in the joints or muscles
• Fatigue
• Bloating or weight gain due to fluid retention
• Sore and/or tender breasts
• Acne or skin blemishes
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Inability to focus or concentrate
• Mood swings (easy to anger, irritate or sadden)
• Anxiety and/or tension
• Depression
• Changes in appetite/Food cravings (sweets and salty)
• Uncontrolled crying
• Forgetfulness

These are just a few of the more than 100 symptoms that can be associated with PMS.  The number of symptoms and varying degree that each affect certain women make it difficult to actually clarify this condition as a disease.  While the majority of women suffer from PMS symptoms at some point in their life, there is a smaller percentage of women (5%) that suffer severe symptoms that are present for several days, month after month.  Women who suffer from severe disabling symptoms each month should discuss the situation with their doctor to rule out other underlying physical or psychological problems which might be intensified due changes occurring in the body prior to the onset of menstruation.

Treatments and Lifestyle Changes
Women who experience severe symptoms may find relief through various treatments some of which are prescribed by their doctor such as antidepressants and oral contraceptives.  Over-the-counter medicines ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) can relieve pain from cramping or sore and tender breasts.  Making small lifestyle changes at home can also reduce or even eliminate many PMS symptoms.  Modifying your diet, exercising daily and reducing stress will not only help ease the pain and discomfort associated with PMS but also help you feel better throughout the month.