Premenstrual Syndrome: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate premenstrual syndrome (PMS):

General symptoms

• Cephalgia (headache), possibly in the sense of menstrual migraine (migraine without aura, whose attacks occur in at least two of three cycles in the days around menstruation (period); frequency: about 10-15% of women).
• Acne tendency (eg acne vulgaris).
• Constipation (constipation)
• Flatulence (flatulence)
• Circulatory instability
• Hot flashes
• Sweats
• Feeling of fullness

Gynecological symptoms

• Edema (water retention)
  • In the tissues, which can lead to weight gain.
  • In the breast → mastodynia (cycle-dependent feelings of tension in the breasts or breast pain).
  • In the vagina; possibly associated with itching.
• Back pain
• Abdominal pain
• Dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse)

Psychological symptoms*

• Mood swings
• Irritability/aggressiveness
• Nervousness
• Psychological lability
• Depressive mood
• Fatigue
• Restlessness
• Listlessness
• Concentration problems
• Anxiety

* Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD); its effects are comparable to recurrent depressive disorder.