Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical and psychological symptoms that begin a few days before the period and usually end a few hours after the onset of menstruation.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a form of PMS in which the symptoms are so severe that they can interfere with work, social activities, or relationships with those around them.

The type and intensity of PMS symptoms vary among women, and in the same woman from month to month. The various physical and psychological symptoms associated with the syndrome can transiently disturb a woman's life.

Since many symptoms, such as moodiness, irritability, swelling and breast tension have been attributed to PMS, defining it is difficult. PMS affects 20 to 50% of women of childbearing age. About 5% of women have a severe form of PMS, called premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

PMS can occur in part for the following reasons: • Estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. Some women are more sensitive to these variations than others. • They may have a genetic profile that makes them more susceptible to PMS. • Serotonin levels tend to be lower in women with PMS. Serotonin is a substance that allows nerve cells to communicate (a neurotransmitter) and is believed to regulate mood. • Magnesium or calcium deficiency can contribute. Swings in estrogen and progestin levels can affect other hormones, such as aldosterone, which helps regulate the salt-water balance. Too much aldosterone can cause water retention and meteorism.

They can start a few hours or up to 10 days before your period, and usually go away completely a few hours after you start your period. Close to menopause, the discomfort can persist during and after menstruation. Symptoms may become more severe under stress or in the years before menopause (this is called perimenopause). Symptoms of PMS can be followed each month by painful periods (cramps or dysmenorrhea), especially in teenage girls.

The diagnosis of PMS is based on symptoms. To identify PMS, the doctor asks the person to write down their symptoms every day. This recording helps the woman understand the changes taking place in her body and her mood, and allows the doctor to put in place the most suitable treatment.

The vitex tends to balance the 2 main hormones while supporting the adrenals provides significant help because the physiological stress generated by this hormonal imbalance therefore creates psychological stress.