What is PMS?

What is PMS? Every girl asks this question during puberty! Learn all about premenstrual syndrome and its most common symptoms.

PMS...You’ve probably heard of (premenstrual syndrome) by now. Whether it’s cramps or emotional changes, there’s a lot you can go through when those three letters are thrown around.

So What Is it?

PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome – it’s the combination of symptoms that some women suffer from a week or so before their period. Symptoms appear before your period starts (as many as five days) and will disappear during your period. Symptoms can affect your body AND your brain, and their intensity can vary a lot from girl to girl. (As if you don’t have enough to deal with.)

PMS Symptoms

pms symptons

What Causes PMS?

The bad news is that no one really knows the exact reason. What doctors and scientists do know is that it’s related to the way your body’s hormones change through your monthly cycle.

Who Gets PMS?

The Mayo Clinic estimates about 75 percent of women get at least some form of PMS. So if you have PMS, one thing’s for sure – you’re not alone! Although not every girl gets them, PMS symptoms can actually last through your period, too. If you don’t get them, consider yourself lucky.