If one is experiencing extreme PMS, she may wonder if these are symptoms of PMS hormone imbalance. Before deciding if this is the case, one should know all the facts about what PMS is and isn’t. PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome, and is characterized by experiencing hormonal changes and disruptive symptoms approximately two weeks or sooner before one’s menstrual period begins. These symptoms tend to go away completely or lessen once menstruation has started and generally come back two weeks or sooner before the next menstrual period. PMS is very common and many women are used to experiencing it as a regular part of their lives. However, PMS is not always just a simple, monthly inconvenience. For some women, it may represent a hormonal imbalance or serious disorder, and it may cause them serious problems or extreme discomfort.

Normal PMS symptoms, though often uncomfortable, are not the same as having a severe PMS hormonal imbalance, which is much more serious. Normal PMS symptoms may include experiencing tension, worry, or general anxiety; having a general feeling of depression; crying spells or oversensitivity; mood swings; becoming easily irritable or angered; a change in appetite; food cravings; insomnia; social withdrawal; not being able to concentrate; joint pain; muscle pain; headaches; tiredness;fluid retention and bloating in the abdomen; a tenderness in the breasts; acne; constipation, and diarrhea. The symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, also called PMDD or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, may include all of these symptoms, though they are much more severe and often interfere with one’s social, work, or physical life. In order to receive a PMDD diagnosis a woman must experience at least five of these symptoms during most of her periods: depression; anger; irritability; not being able to concentrate; experiencing a lack of interest in favorite activities or hobbies; mood swings or general moodiness; insomnia; hypersomnia; increased appetite; feeling overwhelmed; or feeling out of control.

The easiest way for one to understand the difference between PMS and a severe PMS hormonal imbalance is to ask herself if these symptoms are putting a strain on any relationship or any area of her life. If the answer is yes, it may be time to see a doctor for PMS treatment. For those with severe PMS or PMDD, a doctor may suggest a change in diet, such as increasing protein and carbohydrates while decreasing sugar, salt, alcohol, or caffeine; a regular exercise plan; stress management therapies; or the use of vitamins; anti-inflammatory medication; selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors; or oral contraceptives. Many of these PMS treatments may also be helpful in treating normal PMS, though one should ask her doctor before taking any medication or making a significant change in diet or exercise. Natural herbal remedies or drugs such as Alprazolam, Prozac, GnRH, certain birth control pills, or Spironalactone may be prescribed when lifestyle changes do not affect PMS severity. There is help for those who experience PMS or the symptoms of PMS hormone imbalance.