PMS isn’t just mood swings, and no - you’re not just being overly dramatic.
PMS (premenstrual syndrome) affects up to 90% of people who menstruate at some point in their lives, but for something so common, it’s still wildly misunderstood. In my practice, I see so many patients who’ve internalized the idea that they’re just “too sensitive” or “bad at coping” - when in reality, their body is responding (often loudly) to shifts in hormones, stress, and unmet needs.
So how do you know if what you’re feeling is actually PMS - and not just “life being life”? Let’s start with the basics.
What Is PMS (and How Do You Know If You Have It)?
PMS refers to a recurring cluster of symptoms that happen during the luteal phase (the 1-2 weeks before your period). These symptoms usually resolve within a few days of menstruation starting. They can be physical, emotional, cognitive - or all three. Common ones include:
Irritability or mood swings
Fatigue or sleep changes
Cramps, bloating, or breast tenderness
Appetite changes or cravings
Anxiety or low mood
Brain fog or forgetfulness
Research suggests PMS may be linked to hormonal sensitivity (not necessarily hormone imbalances) - meaning your body has a heightened emotional or physiological response to the natural rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone in the luteal phase. This may be influenced by genetics, stress levels, nutrient status, inflammation, and nervous system tone. This is also why hormonal testing may not be the most informative approach to navigating your PMS - it’s not that your hormones are overtly high or low on blood work, it’s that you may have a heightened response to normal levels of hormone production. This can be frustrating for folks seeking objective proof of what’s going on in their body, but also why cycle tracking can be such a potent tool in navigating PMS.
The Power of Menstrual Cycle Tracking
That’s where cycle tracking comes in. To confirm that your symptoms are PMS, they need to:
Show up in the luteal phase (after ovulation, before your period)
Repeat monthly in a recognizable pattern
Improve within a few days of your period starting
Start by tracking your cycle for 2-3 months. You don’t need a fancy app (unless you love that) - just jot down the day of your cycle and how you’re feeling (physically, mentally, emotionally). You’re looking for patterns, not perfection.
If your symptoms are severe or disrupting your life significantly, you might be experiencing PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) - a much more intense form of PMS that deserves proper assessment and support. Either way, your symptoms are real. And you don’t have to push through them alone.
Supportive Care: What the Research Says
When we understand the pattern, we can work with it. Knowing your luteal phase is when irritability spikes? That’s data. It helps guide how you structure your schedule, communicate your needs, and build in gentle supports (like nourishment, rest, or individualized supplement support).
And here’s the best part: tracking your cycle isn’t about controlling your body - it’s about getting to know it, so you can respond with care, not shame. That’s what feminist, person-centered healthcare looks like.
A Gentle Invitation to Get Support
If your luteal phase feels like a crash landing each month - physically, emotionally, or both - there’s no need to “just push through.” Tracking your cycle is the first step. Personalized care is the next.
✨ Curious where to begin? Book a free consult here to explore how I can support you with grounded, individualized care for PMS and period pain.