When Does PMS Start?

When does PMS start? Up to two weeks before a woman actually begins menstruating. According to Fit 4 Ever Young, anywhere between 25 and 75% of women experience the symptoms of pre menstrual syndrome, so it is important to understand exactly when PMS starts and why it happens.

PMS stands for Pre Menstrual Syndrome. According to the Website PMS Relief.org, the condition is defined as “… a disorder that is characterized by a set of hormonal changes … that trigger disruptive physical, emotional and psychological PMS symptoms in most women for up to two weeks before menstruation.”

Thus, as the definition of PMS states, the symptoms of PMS start up to two weeks before actual menstruation.

Why PMS Starts

Now that you know when PMS starts, the next natural question is why.

• Hormonal changes occur in a woman's body up to two weeks before menstruation begins because of the rise in both estrogen and progesterone levels within a woman’s body during this period of time. 
• This time period is known as the period of ovulation for most females.
• Ovulation occurs on a monthly basis when an egg is released from the ovaries and travels down the fallopian tubes to the uterus.
• The egg waits in the blood-lined uterus for fertilization.
• If the egg is fertilized it attaches to the sidewall of the uterus and a baby begins to grow.
• However, if the egg remains unfertilized during this period, menstruation will begin.
• Menstruation is the monthly process of shedding the blood from the lining of the uterus and the unfertilized egg will pass during menstruation as well.

Symptoms of PMS

A big part of the reason many ask when PMS starts is because they want to know if the symptoms they are experiencing are from PMS... this means you may wish to know the symptoms of PMS as well as when PMS begins.

The symptoms of PMS can vary from female to female. The symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the person. Sometimes these symptoms can become so severe that they interfere with daily life.

The symptoms of PMS include:

• Pain in the muscles or joints
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Fluid retention that leads to bloated or weight gain
• Breasts that are tender or sore
• Blemishes on the skin or acne
• Headaches or migraines
• Nausea
• Diarrhea and or constipation
• Sleeplessness or insomnia
• Lack of ability to concentrate or focus
• Mood swings that can be severe and can include emotional outbursts of anger, sadness, or irritation
• Tension or anxiety
• Depression or deep sadness
• Appetite changes or cravings for food
• Uncontrollable crying
• Forgetfulness

Ways to Control Symptoms of PMS

Women who experience severe symptoms of PMS often look for ways to combat these symptoms in an effort to function in their daily lives. There are a number of things you can do if you suffer from symptoms of PMS that are interfering with your life that can offer you some relief. These things include:

• Prescriptions from the doctor for antidepressants
• Prescriptions from the doctor for an oral contraceptive
• Use of over the counter medications such as Advil, Motrin, or Aleve – these relieve the pains of intense cramping or sore breasts
• Lifestyle changes such as changing your diet, reducing stress levels in your life, and exercising daily can help as well

So, now you know the answer to when does PMS start, as well as what you might experience during PMS and how to combat it.