---
title: What is PMS and what causes it? | Niyora
description: PMS is a condition where mood and physical symptoms appear in the second half of your cycle and disappear when your period starts. Hormone changes are probabl
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-what-it-is-and-what-it-is-not-1987/
---

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- What is PMS and what causes it?

Study, 1987

# What is PMS and what causes it?

PMS is a condition where mood and physical symptoms appear in the second half of your cycle and disappear when your period starts. Hormone changes are probably the main cause.

 Early or limited evidence

General information about PMS

## What they did

Discussed what defines PMS, what its symptoms are, and approaches to treating it.

## What they found

PMS is only confirmed when symptoms disappear with the start of menstruation. Symptoms include nervousness, depression, irritability, insomnia, headaches, breast enlargement, bloating, water retention, digestive upset, skin problems, behavior changes, and sexual problems. Hormonal changes are probably the main cause. Stopping ovulation using estradiol implants is a newer treatment approach. Psychiatric treatment alone usually doesn't work well for PMS.

## What it means for you

PMS is your body's response to the hormone and metabolic changes that happen after ovulation. Severe PMS happens when you have difficulty adjusting psychologically to these hormone changes. This explains why psychiatric treatment alone usually doesn't help much.

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual syndrome: What it is and what it is not Authors B. Robert, Greenblatt, Ana‐Zully Teran et al. Journal Stress Medicine Year 1987 Study design Study What was tested Estradiol implants to stop ovulation mentioned as a treatment approach Read the paper [doi.org/10.1002/smi.2460030308](https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.2460030308)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Estradiol, progesterone and hormone therapy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormone-therapy/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

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Survey study, 2022

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Systematic review, 2015

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Review, 2012

How should premenstrual disorders be diagnosed and organized?

Review, 2012

How is PMS diagnosed and treated, especially in women approaching menopause?

Randomised trial, 2012

Do hysterectomy or hormonal IUDs reduce premenstrual symptoms in women with heavy periods?

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