18 July 2025

Better Understanding Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) remains relatively unknown to the general public, despite its real impact on the lives of many women. It is characterized by a combination of physical and psychological symptoms that can affect quality of life on a daily basis.

What is PMS?

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to a group of physical and psychological symptoms that generally occur a few days before menstruation and disappear once it begins. It is a cyclical disorder linked to the natural hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle. Around 150 different symptoms have been identified, but the most common include fatigue, irritability, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, mood swings, and food cravings (1).

What’s the difference between PMS and menstrual cramps?

It is important to distinguish between PMS and menstrual pain (also known as dysmenorrhea). PMS occurs before menstruation and is characterized by a combination of psychological symptoms (such as anxiety or mood swings) and physical symptoms (such as breast tenderness or bloating). In contrast, menstrual cramps occur during menstruation and are mostly experienced as lower abdominal or pelvic pain. These two conditions are distinct, although they can coexist in some women (2).

Who is affected and what are the statistics in France?

In France, between 20% and 40% of women of reproductive age are thought to be affected by PMS (1). Among them, about 5% experience a severe form called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which can significantly impact personal, social, or professional life (2).

Most Common Symptoms

Symptoms vary from one woman to another, but the most frequent include:
• Persistent fatigue
• Irritability, mood swings, anxiety
• Lower back or abdominal pain
• Breast tenderness or sensitivity
• Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
• Bloating, food cravings, digestive issues (1)(2)

Solutions Are Available

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help alleviate PMS symptoms. INSERM recommends regular physical activity, a nutrient-rich diet (including magnesium, calcium, and omega-3s), and maintaining good sleep quality (1). It’s also advised to reduce caffeine, alcohol, and refined sugars.

Complementary approaches such as yoga, sophrology, meditation, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also help improve mood and manage stress (2).
It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms start to interfere with your daily life.

References:

  1. INSERM – “Menstrual Cycle Disorders”, inserm.fr

  2. HAS – Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), has-sante.fr

  3. ANSES – Diet, Supplements and Hormonal Health, anses.fr