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PMS and PMDD: Premenstrual Symptoms and Treatment Options

What are PMS and PMDD?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a pattern of physical and emotional symptoms that start in the luteal phase (the 1 to 2 weeks after ovulation and before a period) and improve within a few days after the period starts. Many people have mild premenstrual symptoms.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a less common, more severe form. Its main symptoms are mood-related, such as depression, anxiety, irritability, or anger, and they cause significant problems at work, at school, or in relationships.

What are the symptoms?

Physical symptoms:

• Breast tenderness or swelling
• Bloating and a feeling of weight gain
• Headache, joint or muscle aches
• Tiredness and changes in sleep
• Food cravings or changes in appetite

Emotional symptoms:

• Irritability or anger
• Mood swings, feeling sad or tearful
• Anxiety or tension
• Difficulty concentrating
• Less interest in usual activities

The key feature is timing: symptoms appear before the period and ease after it starts, with a week without symptoms after the period.

What causes PMS and PMDD?

PMS and PMDD are linked to the normal rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone after ovulation. People with PMDD appear to be more sensitive to these normal hormone changes, which affect brain chemicals such as serotonin. Hormone levels in people with PMDD are usually normal. Stress, lack of sleep, and a personal or family history of mood disorders may make symptoms worse.

When should I see a doctor?

See a doctor if symptoms affect work, study, or relationships, if self-care does not help, or if you are not sure whether symptoms are linked to your cycle. Tracking symptoms daily for 2 cycles before your visit is very helpful.

Get help right away if you have thoughts of harming yourself. Call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. The Seoul Dasan Call Center at 120 offers help in English for finding services.

How are PMS and PMDD evaluated at the clinic?

There is no single test for PMS or PMDD. Dr. Eun will review your symptom diary and menstrual history. Because other conditions can cause similar symptoms, tests may be suggested to rule them out, for example thyroid function tests. A pelvic ultrasound may be used if you also have period pain or irregular bleeding. For mood symptoms that continue throughout the month, a referral to a mental health professional may be recommended.

What are the treatment options?

•  Lifestyle: regular aerobic exercise, enough sleep, regular meals, and reducing caffeine, alcohol, and salt before periods can help mild symptoms.
• Symptom relief: NSAIDs for cramps, headaches, and breast pain.
• Hormonal treatment: some combined birth control pills, especially continuous or shortened pill-free regimens, can reduce symptoms by stopping ovulation.
• SSRIs: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a standard, evidence-based first-line treatment for PMDD and severe PMS. They may be taken every day or only in the second half of the cycle.
• Talking therapy: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help.

Individual results vary, and it can take a few cycles to find what works for you.

Getting care in English near Seongsu Station

Eunice Women's Clinic is on the 8th floor of Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. The building is across the crosswalk from Seoul Subway Line 2 Seongsu Station Exit 3, about a 1-minute walk ( directions). Dr. Eun Mi-na, a female board-certified OB-GYN, holds consultations about PMS and PMDD in English.

   

Day	Hours
Mon, Wed, Fri	10:00–19:00 (lunch 13:30–14:30)
Tue, Thu	10:00–20:00 (lunch 13:30–14:30)
Sat	10:00–14:00 (no lunch break)
Sun and public holidays	Closed

Booking is recommended. You can book through Naver Booking, the KakaoTalk channel (search "유니스산부인과"), or by phone at +82-2-467-3100 ( how to book). Call or message to check same-day availability.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I have PMS or PMDD?

Both follow the same timing before periods. PMDD is diagnosed when at least five specific symptoms, including at least one major mood symptom, cause significant problems in daily life for most cycles. Tracking symptoms daily for two cycles helps the doctor tell them apart.

Can birth control pills help PMS?

Some combined pills can reduce PMS and PMDD symptoms, especially when taken continuously or with a short pill-free interval, because they stop ovulation. Other pills may not help or may affect mood. The doctor will help you choose a suitable option.

Are antidepressants used for PMDD?

Yes. SSRIs are a standard, well-studied treatment for PMDD and severe PMS. They often work faster for PMDD than for depression and can sometimes be taken only in the two weeks before a period. The doctor will discuss benefits and side effects.

Does PMS change with age?

PMS symptoms can change over time. Some people notice worse symptoms in their late 30s and 40s during perimenopause, when hormone levels fluctuate more. Premenstrual symptoms stop after menopause, when menstrual cycles end.

What can I do at home for PMS?

Regular exercise, good sleep, regular meals, and less caffeine, alcohol, and salt before your period may help. Tracking your cycle helps you plan for difficult days. If symptoms still affect your life, see a doctor.

Related pages

•  Birth Control Pills
• Period Pain
• Perimenopause
• Gynecology Consultation
• Pelvic Ultrasound

This page provides general health information for patients and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Individual results vary. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other urgent symptoms, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. Page updated September 2026.