Fluid retention causes bloating, breast tenderness, swelling of the stomach and ankles, and weight gain.
Mood swings cause irritability, depression, anger, anxiety, or restlessness.
Other common symptoms are fatigue, confusion or problems with concentration, food cravings, stomach cramps, back pain, and changes in sleep patterns. Usually symptoms go away at the start of the period. In up to 40 percent of women, symptoms interfere with some aspect of daily activity. Roughly seven percent of women have severe, disabling symptoms which are recognized as a psychiatric disorder, called premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Hormonal and chemical changes seem to play a role.