A small selection of symptoms caused by premenstrual syndrome (PMS) 💐

If we were to make a list of things we could do without that come around every month uninvited, PMS would probably be in our top 3. 😅

And to complicate matters further, it can take the form of diverse and varied manifestations, physical and/or emotional, depending on the cycles AND the women.
In short, an unexpected guest whose identity is never quite known in advance. 👍

Premenstrual syndrome - or PMS for short - is a set of very real cyclical symptoms , distressing for some, unbearable for others, or almost invisible for a lucky few, but always linked to the natural hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle.

However, while PMS has recently become a bit of a buzzword, it's neither new nor... trendy! ✨
It refers to a phase of the cycle accompanied by unpleasant things that women have endured since the dawn of time without too much complaint…

At Puissante, we help women to know themselves better, to listen to themselves better, to understand themselves better, but also to live better! No matter the week of the month, well-being should not be a luxury.

Here's a small selection of PMS symptoms: to finally put words to what you're experiencing (perhaps without even realizing it) and, most importantly, to never again tell yourself that "it's all in your head"! ✊

PMS symptoms

PMS , or premenstrual syndrome, is a cocktail of physical and emotional symptoms that typically appear between 7 and 10 days before menstruation , during what is known as the luteal phase of the cycle. 🍹

It is caused by a sudden drop in hormones (notably estrogen and progesterone), which impacts the body... but also the mind.

“Premenstrual syndrome is a cyclical hormonal reaction that affects more than 75% of women. It deserves serious recognition within healthcare systems.” — Dr. Élise Thiébaut , author of This Is My Blood

It's time to get down to business and review the various possible and observed effects caused by PMS. Don't panic, and like in meditation, observe these symptoms without judgment. 😉🧘♀️

Physical symptoms of PMS

(Yes, these aren't "just period pains")

• Uncomfortable bloating (thanks to hormonal edema)

Under the influence of estrogen and progesterone, the body retains more water and slows down digestion. The result: a bloated stomach, a feeling of heaviness, and sometimes the feeling of not being able to button your favorite jeans. 🦭

• Swollen, taut, sensitive breasts

Have your breasts suddenly become two ultra-sensitive areas? Welcome to the club. This breast tenderness is caused by the surge of progesterone during the luteal phase. Even the slightest friction from your bra can quickly become unbearable. 🌵

• Cramps in the lower abdomen

These dull or stabbing pains appear before your period and are often mistaken for menstrual cramps. They are caused by gentle uterine contractions, triggered by the drop in hormones… and can leave you bedridden. 💥

• Chronic, sometimes overwhelming fatigue

Even after 9 hours of sleep, do you feel drained? This fatigue is due to a drop in estrogen and a slowed metabolism. It's not laziness: it's hormonal, and it's real. 😴

• Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep or frequent awakenings)

Between difficulty falling asleep, nighttime awakenings, and fragmented sleep, the night can become a battleground. With increased brain activity and irritability, rest is often compromised during this phase of the sleep cycle. 👀

• Digestive problems (nausea, constipation, diarrhea)

Progesterone slows down intestinal transit… which can cause constipation, gas, or, conversely, looser stools. Some women even experience nausea or bloating similar to those of early pregnancy. 💨

• Water retention, heavy legs

Do you feel your ankles swell, your rings feel tight, or your thighs feel wobbly? Water retention is one of the most common effects of PMS. Not very glamorous, but totally hormonal. 💧

• Headaches, migraines or headaches

Sudden fluctuations in estrogen levels can trigger headaches or hormonal migraines, especially in women prone to this type of pain. These headaches can last from a few hours to several days. 🤯

• Hypersensitivity to noise, light, and heat

When everything irritates you, even the click of a mouse or the light from the fridge… it's often linked to hormonal sensory overload. Your body is on edge, and your tolerance threshold melts away. 🔆

• Feelings of dizziness or a sudden drop in energy

Unexplained bouts of fatigue or feelings of lightheadedness can occur at any time. This can be explained by a drop in blood pressure or a slight imbalance in hormones and metabolism. 🪫

💬 “PMS often manifests as unexplained extreme fatigue, sometimes mistaken for the onset of the flu. It's a warning signal from the body.” — Dr. Maud Vignon , gynecologist-obstetrician (GREFI Conference)

Emotional symptoms of PMS

(These should not be underestimated, as they are sometimes the most difficult to live with)

• Emotional hypersensitivity (tears welling up in the corner of the eye over nothing)

One wrong word, an overly cute ad, or the end of an episode of your favorite show… and there it is, the tears well up. This heightened sensitivity is due to the drop in estrogen, which directly affects neurotransmitters linked to mood, such as serotonin. 🥲

• Irritability or sudden anger

Are you exploding because someone left a sock lying around? Don't panic. Irritability is one of the most common symptoms of PMS, and it's perfectly irrational. It's internal tension seeking an outlet, often in the most unexpected places. 🌶️

• Low morale, temporary depressive state

Gloomy thoughts, a lack of motivation, a feeling of heaviness inside... PMS can cast a shadow over even the brightest days. It's not "all in your head": it's a real hormonal reaction that can profoundly affect your mood. 🌧️

• Loss of motivation, discouragement

Does every project seem like a mountain to climb? Does your to-do list remain untouched? Progesterone can cause an overall slowdown in mental activity, leading to a general feeling of apathy. This isn't a lack of willpower; it's a transient, cyclical brain state. 📉

• Anxiety, heightened stress

Small stresses become enormous, unexpected events seem insurmountable. The nervous system is on edge, making everything more intense. It's as if the brain is setting off all the alarms, even without any real danger. ⚡️

• Concentration problems, “mental fog”

Do you read the same line three times without retaining anything? What's called "premenstrual fog" is a mild form of mental confusion. Your brain is like a web page that's lagging because it's already dealing with an internal tsunami. 😶🌫️

• Feelings of rejection, of insecurity

An unanswered message can become a source of existential angst. You suddenly feel “not enough” for everyone. PMS amplifies the need for external validation and can exacerbate insecurities that you usually manage very well. 🫵

• Decreased self-esteem

Does your reflection bother you, do your skills seem shaky, and does everything you do appear inadequate? This symptom, unfortunately classic for PMS, is an emotional trap. Rest assured: it will all pass. Your worth, however, remains constant. 🪞

• Surges of guilt or sudden existential crises

“Have I messed up everything in my life?”, “Why did I say that to my friend in 2014?”... PMS can trigger some rather absurd mental loops and cause mini-crises of meaning worthy of a Greek drama monologue. Breathe: you're still you, and everything's fine. 🤯

🎧 We're not saying you're overly sensitive: it's PMS tugging at your heartstrings. You're not losing it. It's your body trying to tell you something. And if you feel like crying over a lost sock or battling your inbox, remember you're far from alone.

“Women report intense psychological symptoms during the premenstrual period, which are too often underestimated. It is time to recognize them in order to support them.” — Prescrire Review, PMS and Mental Health, 2023

Premenstrual dysphoric syndrome: the severe version of PMS

PMS can be heavy, uncomfortable, and exhausting. But sometimes, it goes beyond simple cyclical discomfort. If you feel like your emotional symptoms are amplified, become unmanageable, or significantly impact your quality of life every month, you may be experiencing a more severe form : premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). 🌶️

This is neither inevitable nor a weakness . It is a recognized medical reality that requires Appropriate support (psychological, hormonal, therapeutic, etc.) is available. So, if you feel that PMS is disconnecting you from yourself, isolating you, or overwhelming you psychologically: don't wait. Talk to a healthcare professional.

Indeed, among the symptoms of PMS, there is a much more intense form: premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
It affects approximately 5 to 8% of women and can cause:

• Severe premenstrual depression

It's not just a dip in morale or a temporary slump. It's a real internal storm. Some women feel drained, sinking into a state of intense sadness, with a negative view of everything—themselves, those around them, their future. As if nothing makes sense anymore. A real, but temporary, depressive state. 🌪️

• Dark thoughts

They can appear without warning and become a recurring cycle: dark thoughts, morbid ruminations, the urge to give up on everything or even to cease to exist. These aren't "just" passing thoughts—they can be heavy, disturbing, and absolutely must be taken seriously.

• Total loss of self-esteem

It's that moment when nothing goes right: you feel worthless, ugly, incapable, useless. Even compliments slide off without registering. You doubt everything, especially yourself, and it slowly but surely erodes your self-confidence. 👎

• Uncontrollable crying or anger outbursts

The overflow becomes uncontrollable. You might burst into tears mid-sentence or explode in anger over something trivial. It's not you who's "exaggerating," it's your hormonal system exploding under pressure. 😩

“PMDD is recognized in the DSM-5 as a distinct cyclical psychiatric disorder . It must be diagnosed and treated.” — Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2021

💡 If you experience symptoms of this intensity every month, talk to a healthcare professional (general practitioner, gynecologist, midwife, sexologist…) without delay.

Why do symptoms vary so much from one woman to another?

Because every body reacts differently to hormonal fluctuations. Some experience PMS as a gentle breeze, others as a monthly tornado. The severity of symptoms can also change with:

• age,
  

• pregnancies,
  

• chronic stress,
  

• food,
  

• mental load,
  

• or even medical history.
  

How to relieve PMS symptoms?

Rest assured, we've covered the worst of it. If you feel overwhelmed by the various symptoms of this cyclical syndrome, remember that there are solutions !

Even if we don't teach it to young girls: PMS is not inevitable and women don't have to suffer through it every month without doing anything under the pretext that "that's what being a woman is all about".
The rest of this article will help you map out all the existing solutions available to you to better navigate this period!

Natural and preventative solutions

• Magnesium (powerful mood regulator and antispasmodic)

Magnesium is a bit like the unsung superhero of the nervous system. It helps regulate mood, relax muscles (hello uterine cramps!), and reduce anxiety. In cases of PMS, it plays an invaluable antispasmodic and calming role. You can consume it in supplement form, or through foods like almonds, pumpkin seeds, legumes, or dark chocolate (yes, it's a prescription 😌).

• Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 plays a role in the production of serotonin (the famous “happiness hormone”). It is often recommended for PMS because it helps reduce fatigue, mood swings, and irritability. Combined with magnesium, it works wonders to alleviate emotional imbalances related to hormonal fluctuations. Find it in whole grains, eggs, bananas, and spinach. 🍌

• Raspberry, lady's mantle and chasteberry herbal teas

Raspberry: known to tone the uterus and soothe period pains, it can help upstream to regulate the cycle and ease pelvic tension.

Lady's mantle: the quintessential plant of femininity, it regulates cycles and relieves hormonal disorders related to PMS.

Chaste tree: a superstar among hormonal plants, it acts on the pituitary gland to balance estrogen and progesterone. Recommended for PMS with breast pain, irregular cycles, or mood swings.

💡 Always seek advice from a healthcare professional before using these plants as a treatment.

• Gentle physical activity (yoga, swimming, brisk walking)

No need to run a marathon: moving gently but regularly helps reduce inflammation, boost endorphins (the feel-good hormones), and improve blood circulation. Yoga, in particular, helps with stress and hormonal regulation; swimming relieves muscle tension; and a brisk walk outdoors can bring back your smile. 🌬️

• Less refined sugar, more green vegetables, protein and omega-3

Diet plays a key role in managing PMS. Reducing refined sugar (which exacerbates blood sugar spikes and irritability) helps stabilize mood and energy. Instead, focus on:

• green vegetables rich in minerals and antioxidants,

• proteins to support hormonal balance ,

• Omega -3s (oily fish, flax or chia seeds, vegetable oils) for their anti-inflammatory and mood-regulating effects.

So that your plate becomes your best ally for PMS. 🍽️

“A suitable wellness routine can reduce the intensity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms by up to 50%.” — Journal of Women's Health , 2020

Medical treatments

• Common painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen)

When pain is present, painkillers often remain the first line of defense.

Paracetamol works against mild to moderate pain (such as headaches or abdominal cramps).

Ibuprofen , a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is particularly effective on pelvic pain and muscle tension related to PMS, because it acts directly on the inflammation caused by prostaglandins.

💡 Be careful not to use them in excess, and always respect the indicated dosages.

• Targeted hormonal contraception

Some hormonal contraceptives (combined pills, vaginal ring, hormonal IUD…) can reduce or even eliminate PMS symptoms.

How? By stabilizing the natural hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle (especially the drop in progesterone during the luteal phase).

👉 These methods are not a universal magic solution, but they can be very beneficial if PMS is severe or debilitating.

Discuss with a healthcare professional to adapt the method to your hormonal profile and needs.

• Prescription antidepressants for severe cases (PMDD)

In cases of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) – a severe form of PMS with major impact on mental health – antidepressant treatment may be considered.

These are often selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), taken only during the luteal phase (the 10-14 days before menstruation), or continuously depending on the case.

The goal is not to “medicalize emotions”, but to restore a neurochemical balance to avoid uncontrollable crying spells, dark thoughts, and psychological breakdown.

⚠️ These types of treatment require rigorous medical monitoring and a personalized assessment with a psychiatrist, gynecologist or treating physician trained in hormonal health.

Our tips for a powerful woman?

Our PMS treatment was designed to:

• to soothe physical pain,
  

• stabilize mood,
  

• to improve quality of life during the premenstrual phase.

Formulated with plants, magnesium and vitamins, it is made in France and designed to gently support you each month .

FAQ SPM (for those in a hurry)

Are all months the same?
No. PMS symptoms can vary depending on the menstrual cycle, stress, fatigue, etc.

Is it normal to feel “crazy” before your period?
Yes… but no. It's normal to experience upheaval , but no, you're not "crazy." It's hormonal. And that's legitimate.

Can PMS disappear?
Sometimes, after pregnancy or with age. Otherwise, we learn to understand it, to anticipate it, to tame it.

When should you consult a doctor?
As soon as the symptoms become too overwhelming in your life, debilitating, or if you have any doubts, don't stay alone.

PMS isn't "just your period coming" or a "bad mood." It involves very real symptoms —physical, emotional, and hormonal. It's neither a weakness nor an inevitability.

At Puissante, we believe that each phase of the cycle can be experienced with awareness, gentleness, and empowerment.
Listen to yourself. Respect your limits. And if you're tired of being a victim, know that we're here. To inform you, support you… and offer solutions that truly make a difference.

💌 Take care of yourself. And above all: don't let anyone tell you that "it's all in your head".