Common Symptoms

From Mood Swings to Cramps: The Many Faces of PMS

Haven’t we all been there? One minute, you’re fine, and the next, you’re snapping at your coffee machine for taking too long. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is often brushed off as just ‘mood swings’ or a little discomfort, but let’s be real—it’s so much more.

From unexpected emotional rollercoasters to mysterious body aches, PMS (and symptoms of PMS) can hit you hard. Since no two people experience it exactly the same, pinning it down to one definition is tricky. But don’t worry, science has our backs! Let’s break PMS down into three key areas: mental, physical, and sexual symptoms.

PMS symptoms 101

Premenstrual syndrome is more common than we think! Research shows that this cyclic menstrual disorder is characterized by emotional and physical symptoms that consistently occur (month on month) during the luteal and premenstrual phases of our menstrual cycle¹.

If PMS comes into your life – like that annoying, uninvited guest – every month, you’re probably all too familiar with the symptoms. But even if you don’t check every box, chances are you’ve experienced at least a few of them. Here are a few of the most common symptoms women experience.

1. Emotional & Behavioral Symptoms

Symptoms often differ in range and intensity from person to person. However, studies show that they most often include the following¹:

Emotional & Behavioral Symptoms	Definition
Mood Swings	Sudden emotional changes, including irritability, anger or sadness.
Anxiety	Feelings of uneasiness or nervous tension, often without a clear trigger.
Depression	A mood disorder causing persistent sadness, disinterest, and functional impairment.
Brain Fog	Feeling mentally cloudy, slow, forgetful, and unable to focus.
Fatigue	A persistent sense of exhaustion, even with adequate rest.
Insomnia	Difficulty initiating and maintaining restorative sleep.
Food Cravings	Intense, sudden urges to eat specific types of food, including sweet, salty, or high-carb items.

2. Physical Symptoms

Alongside emotional and behavioral symptoms, PMS can also cause discomfort in the body, triggering the following physical effects:

Physical Symptoms	Definition
Breast Tenderness	Soreness, sensitivity, swelling or pain in the breasts due to hormonal fluctuations.
Abdominal Pain & Bloating	Aches, cramps, pain, gassiness, and discomfort in the stomach.
Temporary Weight Gain	Increase in body weight, often linked to water or fluid retention.
Headaches	Pain, pressure or tension in the head.
Joint, Muscle & Back Pain	Discomfort or soreness in muscles, joints, or the spine.
Nausea	Queasiness or feeling the urge to vomit, accompanied by digestive discomfort.

3. Sexual Symptoms

While not often talked about, PMS can also take a toll on your sexual health. Research shows that women going through PMS often feel less sexually satisfied² and can suffer from a higher frequency of sexual difficulty and distress³!

Sexual Symptoms	Definition
Sexual Dysfunction	Difficulty in arousal or satisfaction.
Less Sexual Satisfaction	Lowered overall enjoyment or interest in sex and intimacy.
Sexual Difficulty	Challenges with sexual function, like painful intercourse, reduced sex drive, and low libido.
Sexuality-Related Personal Distress	Emotional discomfort or anxiety related to sexual feelings or experiences, often impacting intimacy and connection with a partner.

Easing the PMS journey

PMS is a very real and multifaceted menstrual condition that affects women in different ways. Recognizing its symptoms—whether mental, sexual, or physical symptoms—is the first step toward managing them effectively. If and when your menstrual symptoms begin to feel overwhelming, tracking them over time may provide better insight into their severity and triggers.

If you’re experiencing severe PMS each month, remember that you’re not alone! There are many ways to help calm the journey, which you can read on our blog. You can also reach out to your nearest healthcare professional or gynaecologist for clarity, advice, and support.

References

1. Dickerson, LM., Mazyck, PJ., Hunter, MH., (2003). Premenstrual Syndrome. American Academy of Family Physicians; 67:1743-52.
2. Nowosielski, K., Drosdzol, A., Skrzypulec, V., Plinta, R., (2010). Sexual Satisfaction in Females with Premenstrual Symptoms. The Journal of Sexual Medicine; 7:3589–3597.
3. İlhan, G., Verit Atmaca, FV., Kurek Eken, M., Akyol, H. (2017). Premenstrual Syndrome Is Associated With a Higher Frequency of Female Sexual Difficulty and Sexual Distress. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 43(8), 811–821.