• Published on: Jul 24, 2022
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Expert View On What Is Premenstrual Syndrome?

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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms that many women experience in the days leading up to their period. Symptoms can include mood swings, fatigue, acne, bloating, and cramps. The cause of PMS is unknown, but it's thought to be related to changes in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle. There is no cure for PMS, but there are some treatments that can help lessen its symptoms. For example, avoiding caffeine and alcohol can help reduce fatigue and bloating. Acne can be treated with over-the-counter medications or prescription medications. And cramps can be treated with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or prescription medications like birth control pills.

The exact cause of PMS is unknown, but it's thought to be related to changes in hormone levels. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone can affect the way the brain works and trigger symptoms like mood swings and irritability. There is no cure for PMS, but there are treatments that can help relieve symptoms. Options include lifestyle changes, medications and complementary therapies. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition that affects women of reproductive age. Symptoms typically occur one to two weeks before the onset of menstruation and can persist for up to two weeks afterwards. Common symptoms include bloating, fatigue, irritability, mood swings, and breast tenderness. There is no single cause of PMS and it is likely that multiple factors contribute to its development. Hormonal changes may play a role, as well as lifestyle factors such as diet, stress levels, and exercise habits. There is also some evidence that genetics may influence susceptibility to PMS.

While there is no cure for PMS, there are treatments available that can help mitigate symptoms. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition that affects women during the weeks before their period. Symptoms can include mood swings, feelings of bloating, breast tenderness, and changes in appetite. Many women have some mild symptoms of PMS, but for others these symptoms can be quite severe. There is no one cause of PMS, and it's not clear exactly why some women experience it and others don't. It may be related to fluctuations in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle. There is no cure for PMS, but there are treatments that can help lessen its effects. Strategies that may help include reducing stress, getting regular exercise, and eating a healthy diet.

There isn't one definitive cause of PMS. Rather, it's thought to be the result of a combination of factors, including hormone fluctuations, genetics, lifestyle choices, and emotional stress. Some women find that making certain lifestyle changes—such as reducing stress or eating a healthy diet—can help lessen their PMS symptoms. If lifestyle changes don't help or if your symptoms are particularly severe, talking to your doctor about possible treatment options may be recommended.

Things like exercise and stress-relief techniques can help ease PMS symptoms. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of symptoms that occur in the days leading up to your period. Symptoms can include mood swings, fatigue, bloating, and cramps. There's no one cause of PMS, but it's thought to be related to changes in hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Some women seem to be more sensitive to these hormone changes than others, and so they experience more severe symptoms. PMS is thought to be related to the fluctuation in hormones that occur during this time. Symptoms can include mood swings, bloating, fatigue, breast tenderness, and acne.

Some women find relief with lifestyle changes such as exercise and dietary modifications, while others may need medication or other treatments. It's important to work with a healthcare provider who can help you figure out what works best for you. The exact cause of PMS is unknown, but it's thought to be related to changes in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle. For example, levels of progesterone and estrogen rise and fall throughout the month. It's also thought that lifestyle factors (such as stress or diet) and your individual biology may play a role in PMS.

While the symptoms of PMS can be frustrating, they usually aren't harmful. However, if you're experiencing severe or disabling symptoms, it's important to see your doctor for evaluation and treatment. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgery. For some people, it may be a few days of feeling slightly irritable or bloated before their period. Others may experience more severe symptoms that can significantly interfere with their daily lives. PMS is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms a person is experiencing. Many women swear by using a menstrual diary to track their symptoms and look for patterns. Common PMS symptoms include:

-Anxiety

-Depression

-Mood swings

-Irritability

-Anger

-Sleep problems

-Fatigue

- bloating -Abdominal cramps

If you're experiencing severe or persistent PMS symptoms that are affecting your quality of life, you should talk to your doctor. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms that many women experience during the second half of their menstrual cycle, typically in the days leading up to their period. Common symptoms include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, sadness, and bloating. While some women only experience mild PMS symptoms, others may endure more severe symptoms that can significantly interfere with their daily lives. It’s estimated that 3–8% of women suffer from the premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more extreme form of PMS that can cause serious impairments in work and social functioning.

There's a lot of debate surrounding what PMS actually is and whether or not it's a real thing, but for the sake of this answer, we'll assume that it is. PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome, and refers to the cyclical changes in hormone levels that women experience throughout their menstrual cycles. For some women, these hormonal fluctuations can result in physical and emotional symptoms that can be quite debilitating. These symptoms typically appear in the week or two leading up to a woman's period, and then subside once her period starts.  The symptoms of PMS vary from woman to woman but can include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, fatigue, bloating, and weight gain. Some women also experience physical symptoms such as headaches and breast tenderness. There are a number of different treatments for PMS, both medical and natural. If you are suffering from severe symptoms, you should speak to your doctor about possible treatments. There are also a number of lifestyle changes that can help to relieve the symptoms of PMS.

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early signs of hormonal imbalance

Hormones act as chemical messengers that regulate nearly every function in the body, from metabolism and mood to sleep, growth and reproduction. When hormone levels fall out of balance, the effects can be widespread and often confusing. Understanding the early signs of hormonal imbalance is essential because these changes are frequently subtle and mistaken for stress, ageing or lifestyle fatigue.

According to endocrine and public health studies, many adults live with undiagnosed hormonal imbalances for years, allowing symptoms to worsen and increase the risk of chronic health conditions.

 

What Is Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormonal imbalance occurs when:

  • hormone production is too high or too low
     

  • hormone release timing is disrupted
     

  • feedback mechanisms fail
     

Even small imbalances can cause noticeable symptoms because hormones influence multiple organ systems simultaneously.

 

Why Hormonal Imbalances Are Increasing

Modern lifestyles contribute significantly to hormonal disruption.

Key factors include:

  • chronic stress
     

  • poor sleep
     

  • sedentary behaviour
     

  • processed diets
     

  • environmental toxins
     

  • ageing and metabolic changes
     

These factors strain the endocrine system over time.

Common Early Signs of Hormonal Imbalance

Persistent Fatigue

Unexplained, ongoing tiredness is one of the earliest signs.

Hormonal causes include:

  • thyroid dysfunction
     

  • cortisol imbalance
     

  • insulin resistance
     

Fatigue that does not improve with rest requires evaluation.

 

Unexplained Weight Changes

Sudden weight gain or loss without dietary changes may signal:

  • thyroid hormone imbalance
     

  • insulin resistance
     

  • cortisol dysregulation
     

Hormonal weight changes often occur around the abdomen.

 

Mood Swings and Emotional Changes

Hormones directly influence brain chemistry.

Early emotional signs include:

  • irritability
     

  • anxiety
     

  • low mood
     

  • poor stress tolerance
     

These symptoms are often misattributed to mental health alone.

 

Sleep Disturbances

Hormones regulate circadian rhythm.

Imbalances may cause:

  • difficulty falling asleep
     

  • frequent waking
     

  • non-restorative sleep
     

Poor sleep further worsens hormonal disruption.

 

Changes in Appetite and Cravings

Hormonal shifts affect hunger signals.

People may experience:

  • intense sugar cravings
     

  • irregular appetite
     

  • overeating despite fullness
     

These changes are linked to insulin and cortisol imbalance.

 

Skin, Hair and Nail Changes

Early physical signs include:

  • acne in adulthood
     

  • hair thinning or hair fall
     

  • dry skin
     

  • brittle nails
     

These often reflect thyroid, androgen or estrogen imbalance.

 

Menstrual or Reproductive Changes

In women, early signs include:

  • irregular periods
     

  • heavy or painful menstruation
     

  • missed cycles
     

In men, symptoms may include:

  • reduced libido
     

  • fatigue
     

  • mood changes
     

Reproductive symptoms are key indicators of hormonal health.

 

Hormonal Imbalance and Metabolic Health

Hormonal disruption affects:

  • blood sugar regulation
     

  • fat metabolism
     

  • cholesterol balance
     

Left untreated, this increases the risk of diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

 

Why Early Symptoms Are Often Ignored

Hormonal imbalance is frequently overlooked because:

  • symptoms develop gradually
     

  • signs are non-specific
     

  • people self-manage with lifestyle changes alone
     

Unfortunately, delay allows progression.

 

Conditions Commonly Linked to Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances may underlie:

  • thyroid disorders
     

  • polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
     

  • insulin resistance
     

  • adrenal fatigue patterns
     

  • menopause-related changes
     

Early detection simplifies management.

 

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Identifying hormonal imbalance early:

  • prevents complications
     

  • reduces medication dependence
     

  • improves quality of life
     

  • supports metabolic and mental health
     

Early intervention is more effective and less invasive.

 

How Hormonal Imbalance Is Evaluated

Evaluation may include:

  • symptom assessment
     

  • blood hormone testing
     

  • metabolic screening
     

  • lifestyle analysis
     

Testing is guided by symptoms and clinical findings.

 

Lifestyle Measures That Support Hormonal Balance

Stress Management

Reducing stress normalises cortisol and improves overall hormone regulation.

 

Sleep Hygiene

Consistent sleep schedules support endocrine rhythm.

 

Balanced Nutrition

Adequate protein, fibre and micronutrients support hormone production.

 

Physical Activity

Regular movement improves insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance.

 

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare professional if:

  • symptoms persist beyond weeks
     

  • multiple symptoms occur together
     

  • quality of life declines
     

  • weight, mood or sleep changes worsen
     

Early evaluation prevents long-term damage.

 

Long-Term Risks of Untreated Hormonal Imbalance

Ignoring symptoms may lead to:

  • infertility
     

  • metabolic syndrome
     

  • osteoporosis
     

  • chronic fatigue
     

  • mental health disorders
     

Early care significantly reduces these risks.

 

Conclusion

Early signs of hormonal imbalance often appear subtle but reflect deeper endocrine disruption. Persistent fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, sleep problems and skin changes are not just lifestyle issues—they are signals the body should not ignore. Recognising these early signs and seeking timely medical evaluation allows for effective management, prevents chronic disease and restores long-term health balance. Hormonal health is foundational to wellbeing, and early action makes all the difference.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Endocrine and Metabolic Health Report

  •  National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) – Hormones and Metabolism Research

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Endocrine System and Hormonal Health Guideline

  •  Lancet – Hormonal Imbalance and Chronic Disease Studies

  • Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism – Hormone Disorder Research

  • Statista – Hormonal Health and Lifestyle Trends India

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