Symptoms of PMS

PMS (short for pre-menstrual syndrome) or PMT (short for pre-menstrual tension), are the symptoms that women suffer from prior to and during their period.  Symptoms can begin as early as two weeks before their period, after ovulation, and they end at the same time as the period.

There are around two hundred symptoms of PMS, and they are different for everyone.  However, it is incredibly difficult to find a comprehensive list of every single one.  Until now.  Here is Heart of Glass’s list of symptoms of PMS.  We can’t guarantee that it contains every single one, but as more are discovered, or we realise that we’ve forgotten some, more will be added to make it the best (and probably the longest) list of PMS symptoms anywhere.

• Stomach cramps
• Bloatedness
• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Swelling in some areas of the body (such as the hands and feet)
• Dizziness
• Weight gain
• Nausea
• Sinus problems
• Sore throat
• Palpitations
• Urinary problems
• Constipation or diarrhea
• A general feeling of weakness
• Headaches or migraines
• Insomnia
• Exacerbation of allergies such as asthma
• Worsening of illnesses such as arthritis and ulcers
• Hypersensitivity (to smell, touch, taste, sound and sight)
• Changes in body temperature
• Hot or cold flushes
• Fainting
• Cravings (particularly things that are sweet or salty)
• Alcohol intolerance
• Overeating
• Change in taste of food
• Change in libido
• Increase in oil production in the skin, causing acne and spots
• Changes in your hair
• Increase in breast size
• Breast tenderness
• Nipple discharge when breasts are pressed
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Tearfulness
• Anxiety
• Feeling emotional
• Restlessness
• Lethargy/tiredness/fatigue
• Lack of concentration
• Depression (which can be caused by or exacerbated by PMS as some forms are linked to production of female hormones)
• Decrease in self-esteem
• Clumsiness
• Forgetfulness
• Increase in creativity