What is PMS? Everything you need to know about this falsely emerging syndrome

We could tell you that PMS is when you are able to cry just because you just dropped your fork, when you suddenly want to attack everyone who speaks to you or when you are so depressed that you start to question your whole life... 🤯

If there is any truth in this, we still wanted to prepare a slightly more precise and, above all, useful article for you!

Because yes, PMS is a bit like this “new word” that we hear everywhere at the moment. However, far from being a trendy or emerging word, it refers to the concrete physical and emotional manifestations , caused by hormonal fluctuations at a specific moment in the female cycle. ☝️

In short, it's neither a Gen Z invention nor a new fad. It's a syndrome that went unrecognized for a long time, and that was simply not named until a few years ago. 🤫

And since it's never too late to learn more about how women's bodies work, we'll explain everything you need to know about PMS.

At Puissante, we are committed to breaking down the taboos that still cling to this cyclical syndrome, to sharing reliable resources, and above all, to helping you better understand what your body is telling you .
So, what is PMS? We'll tell you everything below.

 

What is PMS? A simple, no-holds-barred definition

Premenstrual syndrome (or PMS) is a group of physical and emotional symptoms that appear a few days before your period, usually between 7 and 10 days before the start of your menstrual cycle. ⏱️

It is caused by hormonal changes – mainly the sharp drop in estrogen and progesterone – in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

It's not a whim, a catch-all term, or an excuse. It's a temporary hormonal imbalance (thanks, estrogen and progesterone) that can send the mind, body, or sometimes both into a tailspin for millions of women every month.

"PMS is a hormonal, cyclical, multifactorial reality that profoundly impacts women's lives. It cannot be denied or dismissed as a whim." — Dr. Odile Bagot, gynecologist, author of the blog MamGyneco.

 

What are the symptoms of PMS?

“PMS is a biological reality, the symptoms of which can vary from one cycle to the next. It is neither rare nor harmless.” — French National Authority for Health (HAS)

While PMS symptoms vary from cycle to cycle, they also vary from woman to woman. In short, when it comes to PMS, we are not all equal! ⚖️

Some women don't even notice any significant changes during this period. Others simply have n't made the connection between the time of their menstrual cycle and the various physical or mental manifestations they experience. 🔗

While symptoms can vary in intensity, they often follow the same pattern from month to month in the same woman. When a woman experiences severe PMS, it typically recurs every cycle, with some nuances but no major surprises.

Have you never really suffered from severe PMS? There's no reason for it to change from one month to the next. 🫶
Are you dealing with severe PMS? Chances are it happens to you often. But spoiler alert : there are solutions 😘

In short, PMS symptoms are diverse, varied, and fluctuating, but they are all very real! So it's high time we considered them, and perhaps did something about them? ✊

PMS is a bit like your body's random playlist. You never know exactly what song is coming on, but you usually recognize the vibe, and here are the key notes:

Physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome

• lower abdominal pain,

• sensitive, tense or painful breasts,

• headaches,

• intense fatigue,

• digestive disorders,

• water retention,

• temporary weight gain,

• sleep disorders.
  
  

Emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome

• irritability or anger (sometimes unjustified, but completely legitimate),

• hypersensitivity,

• low morale, or even temporary depressive state,

• anxiety,

• concentration problems,

• decrease in libido or on the contrary intense urges.

According to INSERM , 8 out of 10 women experience at least one symptom of PMS each month.

“PMS can impact every aspect of daily life. It is essential to talk about it without shame and to consider it as part of a comprehensive approach to women's health.” — Dr. Élise Thiébaut, author of Ceci est mon sang

Premenstrual dysphoric syndrome

We've told you about PMS. But there's a more intense, more disabling, and above all, too often overlooked form: premenstrual dysphoric disorder (or PMDD).

It is a severe version of PMS that affects approximately 3 to 8% of women menstruate , according to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry . It is no longer just a discomfort, but a cyclical disorder recognized in the DSM-5 (the bible of psychiatric disorders) as a pathology in its own right.

Concretely? PMDD is when emotional symptoms are so strong that they profoundly disrupt daily life:

• extreme mood swings,

• sudden crying fits,

• anger

• uncontrollable anxiety, stress

• dark, even depressive thoughts,

• social isolation,

• severe irritability,

• complicated sleep

• drastic drop in self-esteem.
  
  

These symptoms occur in the luteal phase of the cycle (about 1 to 2 weeks before menstruation) and then disappear completely with the arrival of menstruation or shortly after.

“Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that has a major impact on mental health. It requires specific support.” — Dr. Nathalie Clément, psychiatrist specializing in hormonal health

Diagnosis is based on medical monitoring and accurate cycle tracking for at least two months (ideally three), via a daily symptom diary or a tracking app (such as Clue or Flo).

Once identified, PMDD can be treated through:

• psychotherapeutic support,

• hormonal adjustment via treatment (adapted contraception, GnRH agonists, etc.),

• and in some cases, mild antidepressant treatment during the premenstrual phase.
  
  

Remember: If you feel like you're "losing your footing" every month for no good reason, if those around you tell you that "you're changing completely," if you're suffering mentally in a cyclical manner... it's not "in your head." It's not trivial. And it's certainly not inevitable.
Talk to a healthcare professional (gynecologist, sexologist, GP, etc.). Solutions exist. And you deserve to feel better. ❤️

In any case, do not self-diagnose or take medical initiatives alone! ⚠️

 

Living with PMS on a daily basis

PMS, although sometimes difficult to live with, should not become inevitable. It doesn't define who you are, nor your resilience or your ability to 'be a woman'. It's a moment in the cycle to take into account, to tame, to adapt.

For a long time, we thought that was what being a woman was all about: accepting a whole bunch of discomfort without saying anything. But natural doesn't mean acceptable! Being a woman also means learning to know your body and how it works to identify the levers needed for greater comfort and a "better life." 🌈

Exit the archaic vision of women who suffer in silence. Taking charge of your discomfort will never be synonymous with weakness; it's an act of respect and love for yourself! 🫶

At Puissante, we recommend:

• Keep a cycle diary to track your symptoms.
  

• Anticipate “tense” days to adapt your appointments or activities.
  

• Surround yourself with gentleness, sisterhood, and accessories (yes, a vibrator can also help you reconnect with pleasure or get through pain).
  
  

“Accepting your menstrual rhythm means refusing the dictates of constant productivity. It means making an alliance with yourself.” — Ovidie, in “Libres!”

How to relieve PMS symptoms?

In addition to the caring and positive mindset promoted above, we invite you to explore the concrete avenues below to relieve the symptoms of your PMS:

Lifestyle tips

• Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet: more green vegetables, less refined sugar.

• Drink plenty of water to limit water retention.

• Do gentle sports or Zen activities (walking, yoga , swimming).
  
  

“A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle significantly reduce PMS symptoms.” — Study from the Journal of Women's Health, 2019

Natural solutions

• Try magnesium, vitamin B6, or raspberry teas.

• Consider taking a dietary supplement: an accessible, natural, and respectful option that can be very effective. At Puissante, the SPM treatment has was specially designed to combat the symptoms caused by premenstrual syndrome in women. It is a natural treatment, made in France and formulated by a laboratory with expertise in phytotherapy for over 30 years for safe, reliable and effective use! 🌱 🇫🇷

• Medicinal plants: lady's mantle, chaste tree, passion flower, St. John's wort (subject to medical advice).

⚠️ Before considering any of the above solutions, it is imperative to seek the advice of a healthcare professional. Plants can have real effects on the body or interact with other molecules present in a possible treatment. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor to discuss this with him (even if taking conventional painkillers).

SPM FAQ

Is PMS a hormonal disorder?

Not exactly. It is the body's response to natural hormonal fluctuations, but the intensity of which can create real discomfort. It can be aggravated by other factors (stress, diet, chronic fatigue, etc.).

 

Can PMS progress with age?

Yes. It can intensify at certain times (postpartum, perimenopause) or, on the contrary, diminish after the age of 30. This is not an exact science.

Can we talk to a doctor about this?

Yes, and you should . Especially if PMS is impacting your relationships, your professional or personal life, or your mental well-being. A gynecologist, midwife, or sexologist can help you.

PMS or early pregnancy: how to tell the difference?

Something we hear a lot at Puissante is that early pregnancy can sometimes feel like PMS.

It's true that the signs are similar, but here's a quick comparative guide that highlights some nuances. This isn't a diagnosis, of course, nor an exact science, but it's intended to help you better understand what you're feeling. When in doubt, there's no substitute for testing or the advice of a healthcare professional.

 

💡 If in doubt, take a urine test or talk to your doctor. And above all, be patient with yourself, in all cases.

To summarize, premenstrual syndrome is a hormonal cocktail that disrupts body, mood, mind. It's normal, but that doesn't mean it's pleasant. Being informed is already the beginning of liberation.

At Puissante, we advocate for a cyclical body that's listened to, cherished, and respected. We believe that each phase has its power. And that your pleasure, your limits, and your self-care matter.

So, if you need a little help to get through PMS more smoothly, discover our well-being range designed for women and more specifically our food supplements dedicated to premenstrual syndrome.

Listen to yourself and don't stay in the pain.

Take care of yourself. ❤️