Background:

PMS is a group of over 150 physical and psychological symptoms that start between two and 14 days before
your period. They stop when you start bleeding, or shortly after.

The exact cause is a mystery but stress is an undoubted factor. About 90 per cent of women suffer,
10 per cent of those severely.

The most common symptoms are:

Body: bloatedness, breast swelling/pain, headaches, migraine, constipation/diarrhoea, abdominal pains,
tiredness, joint/muscle pains, dizziness, nausea

Mind: mood swings, tension, irritability, aggression, anxiety,crying bouts, lower self-esteem/confidence,
food cravings (e.g. chocolate), poor sleep, loss of sexual desire, accident proneness,
loss of concentration/forgetfulness

Diagnosis

There’s no specific test for PMS and some symptoms may be due to other causes. Women are often asked
to keep a diary for at least three months. If symptoms occur in a regular pattern each month leading up to
menstruation, and then disappear or improve when the period starts, the problem is usually diagnosed as PMS.

Treatment

For mild symptoms:

moderate physical activity, relaxation techniques (yoga is ideal combining exercise and relaxation),
more dietary fibre (fruit and veg), stress management; supplements of vitamin B6, magnesium,
evening primrose or starflower oil, soya isoflavones and red clover; herbal remedies
e.g. St Johns wort, Agnus castus; therapies including:

• Homeopathy
• Acupuncture
• Reflexology
• aromatherapy
• massage

For moderate symptoms:

as above plus hormonal treatment (provided there are no contra-indications),
or the contraceptive Pill (though this can make matters worse in some women).

For breast pain/tenderness:

patients should have a breast examination; helpful natural medications include evening primrose oil,
isoflavones and the herb agnus castus; conventional options include bromocriptine and Danazol.

Wearing a good sports bra is important, and not touching your breasts
(they think it’s a babe suckling and respond by swelling…).

Applied kinesiology has shown very good results in one study at
Guys Hospital in London.

The Poundbury Clinic can offer expert guidance on your management of PMS.

Further information – PMS Society

National Association of PMS

Top of page