Premenstrual syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) (also called PMT or Premenstrual Tension) is a collection of physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms related to a woman's menstrual cycle. While most women (about 80 to 95 percent) of child-bearing age have some premenstrual symptoms, women with PMS have symptoms of "sufficient severity to interfere with some aspects of life". Further, such symptoms are predictable and occur regularly during the two weeks prior to menses. The symptoms may vanish after the bleeding starts, but may continue even after bleeding has begun. About 14 percent of women between the ages of 20 to 35 become so affected that they must stay home from school or work.

For some women with PMS, the symptoms are so severe that they are considered disabling. This form of PMS has its own psychiatric designation: premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).