Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to the constellation of physical and emotional symptoms that emerge in the 1–2 weeks before a period. About 75% of women experience mild PMS, but 3–8% have severe symptoms that meet criteria for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) — a recognised medical condition with substantial functional impact.
Common symptoms include mood swings, sadness, anger, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, breast tenderness, headaches, bloating, and food cravings. With PMDD, symptoms can include suicidal thoughts and relationship breakdown — symptoms that lift dramatically the day the period starts. Tracking symptoms for two cycles is the most reliable way to confirm the diagnosis, since true PMS/PMDD is cyclical, not constant.
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Message us with what you are experiencing and we will tell you whether an examination is worth making, and what the appointment involves.
WhatsAppLINEAt THE FIT CLINIC, treatment is layered. Lifestyle measures — reducing sugar and caffeine, regular aerobic exercise, magnesium and vitamin B6 supplementation, and stress management — help most women significantly. When more is needed, evidence-based options include SSRIs taken only in the luteal phase, specific combined oral contraceptives designed for PMDD, and (rarely) GnRH analogues. Response is usually reviewed over two to three cycles. Results vary between individuals. You do not have to lose two weeks of every month.