Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a group of menstrual related disorders. PMS encompasses as many as 150 different symptoms, although no woman experiences them all.

The common symptoms generally include all or some combination of:

Backaches	Panic
Acute Headaches	Food cravings
Frustration	Irritability
Exhaustion	Loss of Libido
Fatigue	Weight gain
Water retention	Depression
Mood swings	Tender breasts
Bloating	Vertigo

Statistics suggest that approximately 75% of women experience premenstrual symptoms. These symptoms can exist with other problems but what makes them appropriate for PMS is the timing of them. Women who suffer PMS will get the symptoms prior to their menstrual cycle, anywhere from three weeks, to a few days. The symptoms suddenly stop as soon as the menstrual cycle begins.

Some women state that they do not "feel right," but are able to continue with their normal life activities. Approximately 40% of women in their reproductive years experience some form of significant impairment. 5% of women experience extreme impairment, ranging from their daily activities to their relationships. (American Family Physician, 1998)

Although there is no cure for PMS, there are many ways to control and mange it, varying from traditional medical prescriptions, stress management techniques, diet, to other holistic approaches.