In brief
Physical and emotional changes before a period that stop shortly after it begins, such as bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings and irritability.
- Many women find dietary supplements helpful, but there is little scientific evidence for them. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking one.
- See your doctor if symptoms affect your daily life and lifestyle changes have not helped.
- Get a second opinion if you feel your doctor is not listening, healthdirect advises.
When to get help
Get help now
- If you are having suicidal thoughts and are in immediate danger, call triple zero (000).
- To talk to someone now, call the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
See your doctor if
- Your symptoms affect your daily life and lifestyle changes have not helped.
Things that can contribute
- Hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle
- Being more sensitive to those changes
Questions you could ask your GP
- Could this be PMDD?
- What treatment options suit me, including non-medicine options?
- Should I keep a symptom diary for my next visit?
Based on healthdirect Australia, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). You can also check your symptoms with the healthdirect Symptom Checker, or speak with a registered nurse on 1800 022 222.
How it works
PMS happens because of hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, and people who get it may be more sensitive to these changes. Physical symptoms include feeling bloated, breast tenderness, headaches and tiredness, and emotional symptoms include mood swings, irritability, anxiety and feeling sad or depressed.
Regular exercise, a healthy diet and managing stress with relaxation techniques can help, and some antidepressant medicines may improve mood. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form with more intense mood symptoms, and about 8 in every 100 women get it.
Connections
4 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Premenstrual symptoms is linked with
PMS happens because of hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.
Feeling sad or depressed is an emotional symptom of PMS.
Feeling bloated is a symptom of PMS.
Premenstrual symptoms has been studied with
- Vitamin B6 Emerging
Some studies suggest B6 supplements could reduce PMS symptoms, but most studies are of poor quality.
Sources: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Vitamin B6 fact sheet for consumers; NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Vitamin B6: fact sheet for health professionals
Sources
Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.
Summarised from healthdirect. Sources read on 12 and 16 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.