The Basics

What is PMS?

PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). These symptoms can include physical issues like weight gain, bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, nausea, food cravings, and back pain. Psychological symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, and restlessness are also common¹. PMS occurs 2-7 days before the start of your period and can continue till the end of the period.

PMS affects nearly 47.8% of women of reproductive age worldwide¹. About 20% of these women experience severe symptoms that disrupt daily life, while the rest experience mild to moderate discomfort.

What are the different faces of PMS?

While most women are familiar with Premenstrual Syndrome, they're often unaware of the different types and intensities of PMS, that each deserve their own spotlight.

1. PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

This is the most common and widely recognized form. PMS includes a mix of physical and emotional symptoms that show up in the second half of your cycle (aka the luteal phase), and usually fade away once your period starts. Think mood swings, food cravings, annoying cramps.

2. PME (Premenstrual Exacerbation)

This one’s a little sneakier. If you deal with anxiety, depression, or another mental health disorder, you might notice your symptoms getting significantly worse in the days leading up to your period. This is PME – it doesn’t create new symptoms, just amplifies those that already exist.

3. PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)

This is probably the meanest cousin of PMS. PMDD is a clinically-recognized disorder that affects up to 65.7%² of Indian women, causing extreme mood swings, intensely painful cramps, heightened depression, anger, anxiety, etc. It isn't just bad PMS – it’s a medical condition, linked to and neurotransmitter imbalances, that often requires professional support.