1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Women's Health

What is Premenstrual Syndrome - PMS?

By Tracee Cornforth, About.com

Updated: April 9, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Premenstrual syndrome, often called PMS, is a group of physical and emotional symptoms that occur during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. In order for a diagnosis of PMS to occur, physical and/ or emotional symptoms must consistently appear during the last week before the onset of menstruation and disappear shortly after menstruation begins. The symptoms of PMS must also interfere with routine daily living, according to Contemporary Issues in Gynecology Vol. 2.

More: Do I Have PMS?

Poll: How Do You Rate Your PMS Symptoms?

Explore Women's Health

More from About.com

About.com is accredited by the Health On the Net Foundation, which promotes reliable and trusted online health information.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Women's Health
  4. Menstruation
  5. Premenstrual Syndrome FAQs
  6. What is PMS - Premenstrual Syndrome?

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.