Premenstrual syndrome: recognise it and see it coming

In the days before their period, many women feel more tired, more irritable or bloated. Good news: by logging it, you can see it coming.

What is premenstrual syndrome?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of physical and emotional symptoms that appear in the week or two weeks before your period, then go away when it starts. It is very common, to very different degrees from one person to another.

The most common symptoms

• Tender or swollen breasts, a bloated tummy, temporary weight gain (water).
• Tiredness, sleep problems, headaches.
• Irritability, sadness, anxiety, feeling tearful.
• Cravings, wanting sweet or salty food.
• Spots, lower back pain.

Recognising it: log it over several cycles

What defines PMS is the timing: the symptoms come back at the same point in the cycle and go away with your period. Logging them for two or three cycles helps confirm it, and plan ahead: when you know tiredness is coming in three days, you can lighten your schedule.

What can help

• Getting enough sleep and moving regularly, even gently.
• Cutting down on salt, caffeine and alcohol on the days concerned.
• Regular meals to avoid energy slumps.

When to see a doctor

If your symptoms are so strong that they disrupt your life, your work or your relationships, talk to a doctor: a severe form exists (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and there are solutions.

Ragnagna is not a medical device and does not replace advice from a health professional. If in doubt, talk to your doctor, midwife or gynaecologist.