When do pms symptoms start

Your doctor may ask about any history of depression or mood disorders in your family to determine whether your symptoms are the result of PMS or another condition.

Your doctor may do a thyroid hormone test to ensure that your thyroid gland is working properly, a pregnancy test, and possibly a pelvic exam to check for any gynecological problems. Keeping a diary of your symptoms is another way to determine if you have PMS.

Use a calendar to keep track of your symptoms and menstruation every month. If your symptoms start around the same time each month, PMS is a likely cause. If you have a mild or moderate form of premenstrual syndrome, the treatment options include:. You can take pain medication, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to alleviate muscle aches, headaches, and stomach cramping. You can also try a diuretic to stop bloating and water weight gain.

Take medications and supplements only as directed by and after speaking with your doctor. Severe PMS symptoms are rare. A small percentage of women who have severe symptoms have premenstrual dysphoric disorder PMDD. PMDD affects between 3 and 8 percent of women. This is characterized in the new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptoms of PMDD may occur due to changes in your estrogen and progesterone levels.

A connection between low serotonin levels and PMDD also exists. They may also recommend a psychiatric evaluation. A personal or family history of major depression, substance abuse, trauma, or stress can trigger or worsen PMDD symptoms.

This medication increases serotonin levels in your brain and has many roles in regulating brain chemistry that are not limited to depression. Your doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of counseling that can help you understand your thoughts and feelings and change your behavior accordingly.

A healthy lifestyle and a comprehensive treatment plan can reduce or eliminate the symptoms for most women. When should you see a doctor for bloating and back pain? Learn what causes these symptoms and how to manage pain at home. Bloating is a common premenstrual symptom. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Visit The Symptom Checker. Read More. Food Poisoning. Acute Bronchitis. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. Bursitis of the Hip. Table of Contents. What is PMS? Symptoms of PMS Most women feel some mild discomfort before their periods. It is also common for you to have some of these symptoms but not others: acne back pain bloated abdomen changes in appetite, including cravings for certain foods constipation crying spells depression fast heartbeat feeling irritable, tense, or anxious feeling tired headache hot flashes joint pain mood swings not feeling as interested in sex tender and swollen breasts trouble concentrating trouble sleeping swollen hands or feet wanting to be alone weight gain If your PMS symptoms are severe, you may have a condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder PMDD.

What causes PMS? How is PMS diagnosed? Can PMS be prevented or avoided? What are diuretics? Do antidepressants help? What about birth control pills? What about medicines I can buy without a prescription? What about vitamins and other home remedies?

Tips on controlling PMS Eat complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and whole-grain breads, pasta, and cereals , fiber, and protein. Cut back on sugar and fat. Avoid salt for the last few days before your period to reduce bloating and fluid retention.

Cut back on caffeine to feel less tense and irritable and to ease breast soreness. Cut out alcohol. Drinking it before your period can make you feel more depressed. Try eating up to 6 small meals a day instead of 3 larger ones. Each woman's symptoms are different and can vary from month to month.

As well as changes to your lifestyle, a GP can recommend treatments including:. If you still get symptoms after trying these treatments, you may be referred to a specialist. Complimentary therapies and dietary supplements may help with PMS, but the evidence of their effectiveness is limited. But it may be because of changes in their hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.