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Conditions

Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the catch-all term given to a range of physical, emotional and psychological symptoms that appear in the lead up to a women’s period. The symptoms usually last for a few days leading up to the period and a few afterwards. Though most women are able to cope with the symptoms, a minority can find the symptoms so severe that their daily lives are disrupted. Common symptoms include irritability, mood swings, tenderness around the breasts, cravings and bloating, but there are dozens of other symptoms that can occur. The causes of PMS are not fully understood, but hormonal and chemical changes are certainly one possibility, as is stress and diet. Amendments to these areas are frequently the first stage used by GPs when looking for treatment, alongside diuretics, anti-inflammatory pills and oral contraceptives.

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Comments and Questions

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hi im asking for a friend she has been bleeding since 25th jan stopped bleeding four days ago but has now started bleeding again she been dr thy say come back wen its stopped does any one have any idea what it could be as she is very worried thanks





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im 22 and i am very stressed with my periods, they are very heavy and painfull so after lots of different pills i was given an implant in my arm. I have had it for 9 months now and my periods are lasting 3-4 weeks and i have about a week break from it, it is very dark and it is affecting my sex life with my husband, i am running out of things to try and i am too scared to go to the doctors i feel they still dont beleive me after 7 years of problems.





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i am 14 and i still haven't started my period, should i be worried, because everyone else in my class has started.





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Hey I'm 19 and on and off for the last few months I ahve been getting a very sore throat for about a week just before it. I get tonsilitis at least every year and it is getting diffiult to distinguish between the two. Also lately my tonsils are often a bit swollen all of the time.





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hi im 42 and every 2weeks im haveing a period its beging to get me down as .there lasting 7 days each time.ive had 3 periods in 6weeks already. been to c me doctor who told me to leave another 4weeks then to pop back but he never did a blood test or took my blood presure please advice me on what to do next thank you





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i am 16 and started my periods around 2 years ago. for the past year and a half i have been getting really painful periods. they are that bad i cant move. i have to stay in bed, they are iregular and i am sick the day i come on. i have been to my GP and been given some tablets but they dont seem to work. is there anything you can suggest?





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i too suffer from painful periods, and always have done since they started. I'm now 36, and started when i was 11! All i can suggest is keep going to your GP. Keep trying different treatments, don't give up until you find one that works, even if you feel a nuisance. There is only you who knows how bad you feel. Keep your chin up, something will make them better. Don't just put up with them.

hey. well i have the same problem except alot worse. i cant move i stay in bed throw up and have diarea. my solution was getting put in birth control.

I suffer from extreme mood swings, when i get in a really bad mood, the best thing i do is go for a run! as much as i cant be bothered it makes me feel great after!





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Hi, I've always had bad moods & mood swings before my period, but in the last year they have got worse & worse. I now seem to be very upset, depressed & sometimes even suicidal for 3/4 of the month & cannot really function from day to day. This is really upsetting as I used to be very happy-go-lucky & now just feel depressed most the time. My mum said she had the same when she was younger & has only really stopped since she finished menopause. I don't want to go through this until I'm in my late 50's. Can anyone help?





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I'm 52 & had heavy periods with clotting for a while now lasting about a week but this time I've been on & off for the past 3 weeks. I've started to do a bit more exercise could this have anything to do with it.





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hi im 23 havent had a period for 5 months and im on the ceressete pill but normally i have my period every month and i havent for 5months now and im worried.please can u offer any advice woud be great





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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Content supplied by NHS Choices

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the name given to the physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms that can occur in the two weeks before a woman's monthly period. It is also known as premenstrual tension (PMT). Read More »

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