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Approximately 90% of women of reproductive age experience a decline in well-being before menstruation. Increased irritability, emotional instability, breast tenderness, and a strong appetite are frequent manifestations of PMS in young women. Typically, the symptoms resolve spontaneously, but sometimes specialist assistance is necessary.
What is PMS?
PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome. It is a whole set of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that manifest in women before the onset of menstruation. How many days before menstruation does PMS start? Usually 3–10 days, and it ceases with the appearance of menstrual bleeding. PMS is a very common phenomenon, occurring in 20–30% of women, of whom almost every 10th complains of severe symptoms. It can occur in young women, but is most characteristic of the age group 30–40 years. Symptoms weaken during menopause. What is the difference between a period and PMS? Menstruation is a natural cyclical change in the body associated with hormonal fluctuations. These changes make pregnancy possible. PMS, however, is the unpleasant physical sensations and psychological discomfort that arise before the period.
Causes of PMS Development
PMS is associated with changes in the levels of hormones specific to the female reproductive system cycle. The following hormones play a key role in the development of the syndrome:
• Estrogens (produced in the ovaries),
• Progesterone (formed in the ovaries after ovulation),
• Prolactin (secreted by the pituitary gland),
• Serotonin (a neurotransmitter that affects mood and emotions).
A hormonal imbalance, often with a relative decrease in progesterone levels compared to estrogens in the second phase of the cycle, known as estrogen dominance, may be the cause of PMS. PMS is characterized by physical symptoms such as breast pain and abdominal bloating, as well as emotional changes: irritability, anxiety, and apathy.
Main Symptoms of PMS in Women
PMS symptoms are highly diverse. They can significantly affect the deterioration of well-being. You may encounter a number of signs:
• Engorgement and increased sensitivity of the mammary glands,
• Pain in the lower abdomen or back,
• Headaches, including the intensification of migraines,
• Unexplained mood swings,
• Tearfulness,
• Increased and uncontrolled appetite,
• Irritability,
• Anxiety,
• Apathy,
• Worsening of skin and hair condition - acne,
• Drowsiness,
• Constipation,
• Diarrhea,
• Change in libido,
• Edema (swelling).
These symptoms are not a physiological norm and, in case of pronounced discomfort, require correction.
Risk Factors
Several factors can influence the severity of PMS:
• Chronic stress,
• Poor sleep,
• Neurological, endocrine, inflammatory diseases,
• Abortions, miscarriages,
• Heredity,
• Abuse of unhealthy food,
• Work in hazardous production,
• Violation of work and rest regime,
• Absence of pregnancies.
Common risk factors include the deficiency of certain substances (calcium, magnesium, iodine). Calcium and magnesium play an important role in the metabolism of hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. Iodine is a key element for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. A lack of this element can lead to the deterioration of thyroid function, which may lead to menstrual cycle disruption and the appearance of PMS. Calcium and magnesium deficiency can cause pain and worsen mood, which may lead to an intensification of PMS symptoms: abdominal pain, irritability, nervousness, and other manifestations.
Varieties of PMS
Depending on the set of symptoms, the following forms are distinguished:
• Edematous – accompanied by edema of the face, legs, fingers, mammary gland engorgement, pruritus (skin itching), intestinal disorders,
• Cephalalgic – the patient suffers from pulsating headaches that manifest on one side and intensify with movement,
• Crisis – involves attacks resembling panic attacks: heart rate accelerates, blood pressure fluctuates, pains in the heart area begin,
• Neuropsychic – characterized by irritability, depression, insomnia, aggressiveness, up to suicidal ideation,
• Atypical – usually masked as bronchial asthma, myocardiopathy, stomatitis, and other diseases.
By symptom severity, mild and severe forms are distinguished. In the first case, 3–4 symptoms appear a few days before the period, with 1 or 2 being severely expressed. In the severe form, problems can start 3–14 days before, and involve 5 or more distinctly expressed signs.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
This is the term for a more aggravated and complicated course of PMS. About 3–8% of women suffer from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. The condition is characterized by the following symptoms:
• Migraine,
• Swelling of the shins and fingers,
• Social withdrawal,
• "Brain fog",
• Severe lower abdominal pain,
• Difficulty concentrating,
• Profuse urination (polyuria),
• Severe irritability, anger, feeling of hopelessness,
• Insomnia,
• Panic attacks.
During such moments, a woman may feel "cornered," and it can be difficult to get out of this state independently. Therefore, in addition to treatment by a gynecologist and endocrinologist, the assistance of a psychologist or psychiatrist is necessary. The more informed a woman is on this issue, the easier it will be for her to cope with PMDD.
Diagnosis of PMS: Stages and Features
If PMS symptoms last more than 7 days and cause you significant discomfort, it is very important to consult an obstetrician-gynecologist. The doctor will check the function of your hormonal system and conduct a thyroid gland diagnosis.
The diagnosis of PMS syndrome is carried out in several stages:
• Laboratory analyses (complete blood count, complete urinalysis, blood biochemistry, T3, T4, hormonal profile according to cycle phases: LH, FSH, Estradiol, Testosterone, Progesterone, DHEA-S, additional tests as indicated: vitamins and minerals for deficiencies),
• Ultrasound of the thyroid gland and pelvic organs,
• Examination of the woman with speculum with additional tests as indicated (e.g., colposcopy, cytological smear examination).
PMS is diagnosed based on the results of the examination and confirmed using a menstrual chart. In it, the patient herself (under the doctor's supervision) records the intensity of symptoms over 2–3 months depending on the cycle day. Many women keep a menstrual diary in a mobile application.
Methods for Treating Premenstrual Syndrome
Treatment of PMS is the treatment of the cause of PMS, specifically, for example, estrogen dominance or hypothyroidism. Treatment may involve phytopreparations, supplements (vitamins, minerals), and hormonal treatment as indicated (for example, bioidentical progesterone in the second phase).
It is important to understand that PMS treatment must be strictly individualized. There is no "magic pill" for everyone. You attend an appointment with a gynecologist, describe your complaints in maximum detail, and take tests. Based on this, you will be prescribed individual therapy.
It may include visits to a psychotherapist (preferably with a partner), taking phytopreparations, supplements (vitamins, minerals), and hormonal treatment as indicated (for example, bioidentical progesterone in the second phase), prescription of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (help relieve pain) and other means depending on the patient's condition. Hydrotherapy (water procedures), massage, and vacuum therapy prove effective.
The duration of treatment depends on the severity and duration of clinical manifestations. It typically lasts for three menstrual cycles.
Which Doctors are Usually Consulted for PMS?
If the syndrome interferes with a fulfilling life, it is primarily necessary to consult a gynecologist, who will prescribe treatment.
A therapist will help exclude the presence of somatic disorders with symptoms similar to PMS. If necessary, they will refer the patient for additional examination and to narrow specialists.
For severe PMS, a psychologist or psychiatrist is consulted. They help overcome stress states and anxiety disorders. A course of psychotherapy will help correct thinking errors, adjust perception and behavior, and cope with emotional discomfort.
Prevention
It is within our power to do everything possible not to worsen the overall well-being during the premenstrual period. For this, there are a number of recommendations:
• Sleep. The better a woman sleeps, the better her nervous system will function.
• Proper nutrition. Exclude coffee, alcohol, sweets, sour, and salty foods. All of these lead to fluid retention in the body.
• Light physical activity (swimming, Pilates, yoga, stretching).
• Contrast shower. Beneficial for the vegetative-vascular and cardiovascular systems.
• Elimination of deficiency states. This primarily concerns the normalization of the overall hormonal background and the levels of individual substances (magnesium, calcium, iodine, vitamins D, E, B6, etc.).
• Exclusion of stressful situations, excessive physical and mental loads.
If unpleasant symptoms bother you in the run-up to menstruation and prevent you from living a full life, seek PMS treatment at the Expert Clinics in Moscow. Our specialists will eliminate the causes of the disorders and help you cope with the existing problems. You can schedule an appointment right now – by phone or online.
PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome. It is a whole set of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that manifest in women before the onset of menstruation. How many days before menstruation does PMS start? Usually 3–10 days, and it ceases with the appearance of menstrual bleeding. PMS is a very common phenomenon, occurring in 20–30% of women, of whom almost every 10th complains of severe symptoms. It can occur in young women, but is most characteristic of the age group 30–40 years. Symptoms weaken during menopause. What is the difference between a period and PMS? Menstruation is a natural cyclical change in the body associated with hormonal fluctuations. These changes make pregnancy possible. PMS, however, is the unpleasant physical sensations and psychological discomfort that arise before the period.
Causes of PMS Development
PMS is associated with changes in the levels of hormones specific to the female reproductive system cycle. The following hormones play a key role in the development of the syndrome:
• Estrogens (produced in the ovaries),
• Progesterone (formed in the ovaries after ovulation),
• Prolactin (secreted by the pituitary gland),
• Serotonin (a neurotransmitter that affects mood and emotions).
A hormonal imbalance, often with a relative decrease in progesterone levels compared to estrogens in the second phase of the cycle, known as estrogen dominance, may be the cause of PMS. PMS is characterized by physical symptoms such as breast pain and abdominal bloating, as well as emotional changes: irritability, anxiety, and apathy.
Main Symptoms of PMS in Women
PMS symptoms are highly diverse. They can significantly affect the deterioration of well-being. You may encounter a number of signs:
• Engorgement and increased sensitivity of the mammary glands,
• Pain in the lower abdomen or back,
• Headaches, including the intensification of migraines,
• Unexplained mood swings,
• Tearfulness,
• Increased and uncontrolled appetite,
• Irritability,
• Anxiety,
• Apathy,
• Worsening of skin and hair condition - acne,
• Drowsiness,
• Constipation,
• Diarrhea,
• Change in libido,
• Edema (swelling).
These symptoms are not a physiological norm and, in case of pronounced discomfort, require correction.
Risk Factors
Several factors can influence the severity of PMS:
• Chronic stress,
• Poor sleep,
• Neurological, endocrine, inflammatory diseases,
• Abortions, miscarriages,
• Heredity,
• Abuse of unhealthy food,
• Work in hazardous production,
• Violation of work and rest regime,
• Absence of pregnancies.
Common risk factors include the deficiency of certain substances (calcium, magnesium, iodine). Calcium and magnesium play an important role in the metabolism of hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. Iodine is a key element for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. A lack of this element can lead to the deterioration of thyroid function, which may lead to menstrual cycle disruption and the appearance of PMS. Calcium and magnesium deficiency can cause pain and worsen mood, which may lead to an intensification of PMS symptoms: abdominal pain, irritability, nervousness, and other manifestations.
Varieties of PMS
Depending on the set of symptoms, the following forms are distinguished:
• Edematous – accompanied by edema of the face, legs, fingers, mammary gland engorgement, pruritus (skin itching), intestinal disorders,
• Cephalalgic – the patient suffers from pulsating headaches that manifest on one side and intensify with movement,
• Crisis – involves attacks resembling panic attacks: heart rate accelerates, blood pressure fluctuates, pains in the heart area begin,
• Neuropsychic – characterized by irritability, depression, insomnia, aggressiveness, up to suicidal ideation,
• Atypical – usually masked as bronchial asthma, myocardiopathy, stomatitis, and other diseases.
By symptom severity, mild and severe forms are distinguished. In the first case, 3–4 symptoms appear a few days before the period, with 1 or 2 being severely expressed. In the severe form, problems can start 3–14 days before, and involve 5 or more distinctly expressed signs.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
This is the term for a more aggravated and complicated course of PMS. About 3–8% of women suffer from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. The condition is characterized by the following symptoms:
• Migraine,
• Swelling of the shins and fingers,
• Social withdrawal,
• "Brain fog",
• Severe lower abdominal pain,
• Difficulty concentrating,
• Profuse urination (polyuria),
• Severe irritability, anger, feeling of hopelessness,
• Insomnia,
• Panic attacks.
During such moments, a woman may feel "cornered," and it can be difficult to get out of this state independently. Therefore, in addition to treatment by a gynecologist and endocrinologist, the assistance of a psychologist or psychiatrist is necessary. The more informed a woman is on this issue, the easier it will be for her to cope with PMDD.
Diagnosis of PMS: Stages and Features
If PMS symptoms last more than 7 days and cause you significant discomfort, it is very important to consult an obstetrician-gynecologist. The doctor will check the function of your hormonal system and conduct a thyroid gland diagnosis.
The diagnosis of PMS syndrome is carried out in several stages:
• Laboratory analyses (complete blood count, complete urinalysis, blood biochemistry, T3, T4, hormonal profile according to cycle phases: LH, FSH, Estradiol, Testosterone, Progesterone, DHEA-S, additional tests as indicated: vitamins and minerals for deficiencies),
• Ultrasound of the thyroid gland and pelvic organs,
• Examination of the woman with speculum with additional tests as indicated (e.g., colposcopy, cytological smear examination).
PMS is diagnosed based on the results of the examination and confirmed using a menstrual chart. In it, the patient herself (under the doctor's supervision) records the intensity of symptoms over 2–3 months depending on the cycle day. Many women keep a menstrual diary in a mobile application.
Methods for Treating Premenstrual Syndrome
Treatment of PMS is the treatment of the cause of PMS, specifically, for example, estrogen dominance or hypothyroidism. Treatment may involve phytopreparations, supplements (vitamins, minerals), and hormonal treatment as indicated (for example, bioidentical progesterone in the second phase).
It is important to understand that PMS treatment must be strictly individualized. There is no "magic pill" for everyone. You attend an appointment with a gynecologist, describe your complaints in maximum detail, and take tests. Based on this, you will be prescribed individual therapy.
It may include visits to a psychotherapist (preferably with a partner), taking phytopreparations, supplements (vitamins, minerals), and hormonal treatment as indicated (for example, bioidentical progesterone in the second phase), prescription of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (help relieve pain) and other means depending on the patient's condition. Hydrotherapy (water procedures), massage, and vacuum therapy prove effective.
The duration of treatment depends on the severity and duration of clinical manifestations. It typically lasts for three menstrual cycles.
Which Doctors are Usually Consulted for PMS?
If the syndrome interferes with a fulfilling life, it is primarily necessary to consult a gynecologist, who will prescribe treatment.
A therapist will help exclude the presence of somatic disorders with symptoms similar to PMS. If necessary, they will refer the patient for additional examination and to narrow specialists.
For severe PMS, a psychologist or psychiatrist is consulted. They help overcome stress states and anxiety disorders. A course of psychotherapy will help correct thinking errors, adjust perception and behavior, and cope with emotional discomfort.
Prevention
It is within our power to do everything possible not to worsen the overall well-being during the premenstrual period. For this, there are a number of recommendations:
• Sleep. The better a woman sleeps, the better her nervous system will function.
• Proper nutrition. Exclude coffee, alcohol, sweets, sour, and salty foods. All of these lead to fluid retention in the body.
• Light physical activity (swimming, Pilates, yoga, stretching).
• Contrast shower. Beneficial for the vegetative-vascular and cardiovascular systems.
• Elimination of deficiency states. This primarily concerns the normalization of the overall hormonal background and the levels of individual substances (magnesium, calcium, iodine, vitamins D, E, B6, etc.).
• Exclusion of stressful situations, excessive physical and mental loads.
If unpleasant symptoms bother you in the run-up to menstruation and prevent you from living a full life, seek PMS treatment at the Expert Clinics in Moscow. Our specialists will eliminate the causes of the disorders and help you cope with the existing problems. You can schedule an appointment right now – by phone or online.
+7 (495) 154-21-44 
admin@expertclinics.ru 
Moscow, Starovolynskaya st., 12 bld. 1