Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of physical or mood-related symptoms that occur before your menstrual period each month. Symptoms begin about 1 to 2 weeks before your period starts. These symptoms go away in the first few days of your period. With PMS, these symptoms—like breast tenderness or irritability—are so bad that they interfere with your life.
Current as of: May 1, 2026
Author:
WebMD Ignite Staff
Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.