Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome or “PMS” is a group of symptoms many girls experience each month just before and during their menstrual period.

These symptoms include both physical and emotional changes and typically go away not long after a girl’s period starts.

Patients can be seen by Texas Children's experts in Adolescent Medicine and Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology.

Causes & Risk Factors

While the exact cause is not yet known, PMS is associated with monthly changes in the body’s hormone levels. As these hormone levels increase and decrease during a girl’s period, they can cause physical and emotional changes.

Symptoms & Types

Common PMS symptoms include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Bloating
• Fluid retention
• Breast soreness
• Mood swings/irritability
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Back ache
• Depression
• Acne
• Food cravings
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased hunger and thirst
• Diarrhea or constipation  

Some girls may experience just a few symptoms that are considered mild.  Other girls may experience more severe symptoms that cause them to miss out on daily activities.

Diagnosis & Tests

Diagnosis starts with a thorough medical history, including a detailed discussion of your menstrual periods, symptoms, when they occur and their severity, as well as a physical exam.

Diagnosis may also include the following, to rule out other causes:

• Pelvic exam
• Pregnancy test and screening for sexually transmitted infections, when applicable
• Blood tests
• Thyroid testing

Treatment & Care

Treatment depends on the individual and the severity of their symptoms but may include:

• Lifestyle changes – including plenty of exercise and sleep
• Nutrition changes – eating a well-balanced diet and cutting back on salt, sugar, caffeine and alcohol
• Drinking plenty of water
• Stress reduction
• Over-the-counter medications – such as ibuprofen
• Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) – to keep hormone levels even