PMS Symptom Checker
Select the symptoms you experience before or during your period to get personalized insights and management tips.
Physical
Emotional
Behavioral
Understanding PMS
What Is PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a collection of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that occur in the one to two weeks before your period. It is caused by hormonal changes during the luteal phase of your cycle, when progesterone rises after ovulation and then drops before menstruation. PMS affects up to 75% of menstruating women to some degree. Symptoms typically begin after ovulation (around day 14-16 of a 28-day cycle) and resolve within a few days of your period starting. The severity and combination of symptoms varies widely from person to person and can even change from cycle to cycle.
PMS vs. PMDD: Knowing the Difference
While PMS is common and manageable for most women, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe condition affecting 3-8% of menstruating women. PMDD involves the same timing as PMS but with significantly more intense symptoms, particularly emotional ones. Key signs of PMDD include: severe mood swings, intense irritability or anger, marked anxiety or tension, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty functioning at work or school, and physical symptoms like bloating and breast tenderness. If your premenstrual symptoms significantly interfere with relationships, work, or daily activities, talk to your healthcare provider about PMDD. Effective treatments are available, including certain antidepressants, hormonal therapies, and lifestyle modifications.
Managing PMS Symptoms
While PMS cannot be completely prevented, many strategies can reduce symptom severity: Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise (30 minutes most days), adequate sleep (7-9 hours), stress management through yoga or meditation, and limiting alcohol and caffeine. Dietary adjustments: Eat balanced meals with complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats. Increase calcium-rich foods, reduce salt to minimize bloating, and stay well hydrated. Supplements: Some women find relief with calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, or chasteberry supplements. Always consult your doctor before starting any supplement. Tracking your symptoms across multiple cycles helps identify your personal patterns so you can prepare. Cyla's symptom logging feature makes this easy and provides cycle-aware insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Track PMS Symptoms Automatically
Cyla learns your symptom patterns and predicts when PMS is coming so you can prepare. Free to download.
