Last Reviewed:November 30, 2023 by Gabrielle Marks
How Many Days Does PMS Last?
The symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or PMS can last anywhere from five to fourteen days before menstruation or bleeding during your monthly period.
Jump Ahead
- New Standard in Defining Duration of PMS
- Symptoms of PMS
- Monitoring the Duration and Presence of PMS Symptoms
- Resources
New Standard in Defining Duration of PMS
Although the number of days in which a woman’s premenstrual syndrome may vary individually, according to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, in order to be diagnosed as having PMS, the symptoms must be present at least five days prior to bleeding and end within four days after the period starts, for at least three menstrual cycles. Another key point emphasized in diagnosing PMS is that these symptoms interfere with your daily activities.
Symptoms of PMS
Among the physical symptoms that accompany PMS during the abovementioned period are enlargement of the breasts, breast tenderness, having a bloated stomach, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, migraines, swelling of the hands or the feet, weight gain, clumsiness, nausea, vomiting, and muscle aches.
Emotional symptoms may also take place, such as depression, anxiety attacks, panic attacks, insomnia, change in sexual interest and desire, irritability, hostility, increased appetite, mood swings, inability to concentrate, lethargy, and fatigue.
Monitoring the Duration and Presence of PMS Symptoms
According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, keeping a PMS symptom record is extremely helpful in diagnosing if you are indeed undergoing PMS, and will be helpful in determining what courses of action to take for the particular symptoms you are experiencing. These courses of action can include making lifestyle changes, changing diet, taking supplements, and taking medications.
Taking note of the intensity and frequency of these symptoms can also help your ob-gyn determine if what you are undergoing is actually a more serious condition that mimics PMS, such as depression, anxiety, perimenopause, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, or thyroid disease.
Resources
- Simon M.D., Harvey – University of Maryland Medical Center – “Premenstrual syndrome – Highlights.“
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – “ACOG Education Pamphlet AP057 — Premenstrual Syndrome.”
- Barclift, M.D., Songhai – Womenshealth.gov “Premenstrual Syndrome Frequently Asked Questions.”
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