Menstruation and Mood
Premenstrual Syndrome
Related terms · PMS · Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome refers to a pattern where physical and mood symptoms recur before menstruation and decrease once menstruation begins.
Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-26
Meaning and Distinctions
What is Premenstrual Syndrome?
The core of PMS is its cyclical nature, where physical and emotional symptoms recur before menstruation and subside after it begins. Premenstrual syndrome refers to a pattern where physical and mood symptoms recur before menstruation and decrease once menstruation begins.
- Easily confused terms
- Unlike anxiety and depression that persist throughout the entire month, Menstrual cyclecheck multiple cycles to see if they repeatedly align with the menstrual cycle.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- We do not group all symptoms under the single term 'constitution' (chejil). We determine the direction of treatment by observing actual recurring symptoms and lifestyle changes.
- What to record for your visit
- Please record the following with dates and show them during your medical evaluation: daily mood and physical symptoms for at least 2 cycles; changes in the intake of birth control pills, antidepressants, painkillers, or supplements; and periods without symptoms, including sleep, caffeine, alcohol, conflicts, and absences from work.
Women's Health Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check a brief definition before proceeding to a detailed explanation.Menstrual CycleThe menstrual cycle is the period from the first day of one menstruation to the day before the next menstruation begins.DysmenorrheaDysmenorrhea is pain in the lower abdomen and lower back that occurs before and after menstruation; it is categorized into primary pain and secondary pain caused by other medical conditions.Menopausal transitionThe menopausal transition is a transitional period that begins when menstrual cycles start to change and continues until the final menstruation; it may be accompanied by changes in hot flashes, sleep, mood, and vaginal dryness.
Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuidePremenstrual Syndrome (PMS)Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is characterized by emotional and behavioral symptoms, such as irritability, depression, anxiety, poor concentration, and changes in sleep and appetite, along with breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, headaches, edema, and fatigue that recur before menstruation and subside after it begins. Rather than focusing on a single symptom, we check the timing on the calendar and the impact on work, school, and relationships. Digestive changes that fluctuate before pain, such as a feeling of blockage in the solar plexus, constipation, or cravings for sweets, should also be recorded as part of the same cyclic change if they recur before menstruation. Recording the intensity of symptoms and menstruation dates daily for 2 to 3 months helps distinguish PMS from depression and anxiety that last all month, thyroid disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. If menstruation is late and there is a possibility of pregnancy, a pregnancy test should be performed before considering it PMS. If daily life collapses due to severe despair, anger, or anxiety, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is evaluated; if there are thoughts of suicide or harming oneself or others, crisis help must be sought immediately.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhat changes should I look for during treatment for women's health conditions?Rather than a single pain score, we look at the frequency of painkiller use, days without bleeding, the ability to sleep through the night, and the recovery of work attendance, sleep, and eating habits. If dizziness, loss of appetite, sleep disruption, or pelvic heaviness remain even after pain has decreased, this should not be viewed as a treatment failure, but rather as a need to redefine the remaining recovery goals. For vaginitis, we check for itching, pain, and test results rather than looking at discharge alone. If there is a possibility of pregnancy, or if you experience a sudden increase in bleeding, a feeling of fainting, fever, or severe one-sided pelvic pain, do not adjust your prescription yourself and notify medical staff immediately.→
- Women's Health ColumnMenstrual calendar: Besides the start date, what else should I track to help with treatment?→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment explanations.
- ACOG: Heavy Menstrual BleedingReference materials on the definition of Premenstrual Syndrome and items to be checked during medical evaluation