Introduction
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a complex of symptoms that occurs a few days before menstruation. After the start of bleeding, the symptoms disappear again. Typical symptoms are a feeling of tension in the breasts as well as head and back pain.
It can lead to migraine attacks (see: Migraine attack) and increased sensitivity to stimuli. In addition, nausea and diarrhoea can occur, accompanied by loss of appetite or ravenous appetite attacks. The hormonal changes lead to increased water retention and mood swings.
These can manifest themselves as listlessness, inner restlessness, aggressiveness or depressive mood swings. Some of these symptoms can also be uncertain indications for pregnancy. For example, a feeling of tension in the breasts can also occur, and changes in eating habits, odor sensitivity and fatigue can occur. In both cases, pulling and pain in the lower abdomen can also be accompanying.
How do I distinguish a premenstrual syndrome from pregnancy
Although the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and very early pregnancy may be similar, there are some differences. The biggest difference is the absence of the following period. Although the symptoms are caused by the same hormone, pregnancy is characterized by the absence of periods, while PMS is characterized by bleeding.
PMS symptoms usually last only a few days, while pregnancy problems tend to last longer. You should also ask yourself how likely you are to become pregnant. If you have regular intercourse without a contraceptive or if you have made a mistake when using a contraceptive, the likelihood of pregnancy is increased.
If contraceptives such as the pill or condoms are used properly, pregnancy is unlikely. In addition, premenstrual symptoms usually occur regularly. So if similar symptoms occur monthly, the likelihood of pregnancy is lower than when the symptoms first occurred.
Characteristic for a pregnancy are for example morning sickness and an aversion to certain foods. The appetite is usually increased nevertheless, while with PMS there can also be a reduced appetite and nausea is not typical. In addition, persistent fatigue and a permanently elevated temperature are more likely to indicate pregnancy.
Although a feeling of tension in the breasts occurs in both cases, only during pregnancy does a dark discoloration of the nipples occur. In addition, over-pigmentation of the midline of the abdomen can occur. Both discolorations are caused by hormones. During pregnancy there may also be an increased urge to urinate.
All articles in this series:
