Classic PMS symptoms begin 7-10 days before menstruation, peak 2 days before the period starts, and then fade away on the last premenstrual day or first day of period. Though symptoms may vary, they will occur during a specific and relatively constant time of the menstrual cycle and have a clear beginning and end.
Diagnosis depends on use of a menstrual calendar to verify a cycle of symptoms.
Treatment of PMS should be targeted toward specific symptoms such as diuretic therapy for fluid retention and inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis for dysmenorrhea. Vitamin supplementation has not been shown to consistently reduce PMS symptoms. Premenstrual symptoms have been recognized for centuries, but the cycle disorder occurring prior to the menses was first described in 1931. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.