PMS is the cyclical occurrence of various symptoms beginning near or after ovulation and resolving soon after the onset of menstruation. It is a complex disorder believed to be linked to the cyclic activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary ovarian axis. PMS encompasses as many as 150 different symptoms although no woman experiences all of these symptoms. Women suffering from PMS often report as may as 10 or 12 symptoms. Each woman experiences a different pattern of symptoms that may include both physical and psychological complaints.
Some women have only emotional symptoms and no physical symptoms.
The cyclical timing of symptoms is more important than the type of symptoms. Each woman may experience a different pattern and set of symptoms than her mother, sister or friend. The diagram below identifies some of the common PMS patterns. The first day of menstrual flow is called day one of your cycle. This symptom-free phase may be difficult to identify if you are suffering from concurrent conditions.