Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a group of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days before a period. Symptoms usually improve once menstruation starts.

Prescription review online

Prescription review online

A doctor will review your case and issue a prescription if medically appropriate.

Talk to a doctor online

Talk to a doctor online

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Doctor
5.0(36)

Andrei Popov

General medicinePain medicine7 years of experience

Dr. Andrei Popov is a family physician with specialized training in the management of chronic pain. He provides video consultations for adults in Spain and across Europe: whether you have been living with pain for months that no one has been able to properly explain, or you need to resolve a health issue without waiting weeks for an appointment.

His approach is clear: to listen, organize your case, and provide you with a practical roadmap based on evidence-based medicine and adapted to your medical history and personal needs.

Pain: how he can help

  • Chronic pain (more than 3 months
  • Migraine and recurrent or high-intensity headaches
  •  Neck, lower back, back and joint pain
  •  Post-traumatic pain after injuries or surgeries
  •  Pain of neurological origin: neuralgia, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia

General medicine

  • Frequent respiratory infections (cold, flu, persistent cough)
  • Hypertension, diabetes and metabolic disorders
  • Review of laboratory tests and MRI/CT reports (explained in clear language)
  • Preventive medicine and health monitoring
  • Second opinions and treatment adjustments (when clinically appropriate)

What the consultation is like
 Each session lasts up to 30 minutes. We review symptoms, medical history, medications and any tests you provide, and you finish the consultation with a clear treatment plan, defined next steps, and criteria to understand when follow-up may be needed. If warning signs are detected, he will clearly advise whether you need in-person care or urgent medical attention.

Book a video appointment
€86
This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is the name for the symptoms women can experience in the weeks before their period. It can affect anyone who has periods. You can get help if it affects your daily life.

Symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

Each woman's symptoms are different and can vary from month to month, but most women have PMS (premenstrual syndrome) at some point.

The most common symptoms of PMS include:

  • mood swings
  • feeling depressed or irritable
  • feeling upset, anxious or emotional
  • tiredness or trouble sleeping
  • bloating or cramping
  • breast tenderness
  • headaches
  • spotty skin
  • greasy hair
  • changes in appetite or food cravings

Things you can try to help for PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

There are things you can try to help ease your PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms.

 Do 

  • exercise regularly
  • eat a healthy, balanced diet – you may find eating frequent smaller meals every 2 to 3 hours better
  • get plenty of sleep
  • try reducing your stress by doing yoga or meditation
  • take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease the pain
  • keep a diary of your symptoms for at least 2 menstrual cycles – you can take this to a GP appointment
Consult with a doctor about Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Consult with a doctor about Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

 Don’t 

  • do not smoke
  • do not drink too much alcohol

 See a GP if: 

You have symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and:

  • lifestyle changes have not helped
  • your symptoms are affecting your daily life

A GP can advise you on treatments that can help.

Treatments for PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

If you have PMS (premenstrual syndrome), a GP may recommend other treatments as well as making lifestyle changes.

These may include:

If you still get symptoms after trying these treatments, you may be referred to a specialist.

This could be a gynaecologist, psychiatrist or counsellor.

Complementary therapies and dietary supplements for PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

Complementary therapies and dietary supplements may help with PMS, but there's not much evidence that they work.

These can include:

  • acupuncture
  • reflexology
  • supplements such as vitamin B6, calcium, vitamin D and magnesium

 Important 

Check with a GP or pharmacist if you're also taking medicines before starting to take regular supplements.

Causes of PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

It's not fully understood why women get PMS (premenstrual syndrome).

But it may be because of changes in their hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.

Some women may be more affected by these changes than others.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

A small number of women may experience more severe symptoms of PMS known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Symptoms of PMDD are similar to PMS, but are much more intense and can have a much greater negative impact on your everyday life.

Symptoms can include:

  • headaches and joint and muscle pain
  • overeating and problems sleeping
  • feeling very anxious, angry, depressed or suicidal

It's not clear what causes PMDD, but it's been linked to being very sensitive to changes in hormones, or certain differences in the genes you inherit from your parents.

 Call 112 or go to A&E if: 

  • you have symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and are feeling suicidal

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

Online doctors for Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with a doctor online.

Doctor
5.0(36)

Andrei Popov

General medicinePain medicine7 years of experience

Dr. Andrei Popov is a family physician with specialized training in the management of chronic pain. He provides video consultations for adults in Spain and across Europe: whether you have been living with pain for months that no one has been able to properly explain, or you need to resolve a health issue without waiting weeks for an appointment.

His approach is clear: to listen, organize your case, and provide you with a practical roadmap based on evidence-based medicine and adapted to your medical history and personal needs.

Pain: how he can help

  • Chronic pain (more than 3 months
  • Migraine and recurrent or high-intensity headaches
  •  Neck, lower back, back and joint pain
  •  Post-traumatic pain after injuries or surgeries
  •  Pain of neurological origin: neuralgia, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia

General medicine

  • Frequent respiratory infections (cold, flu, persistent cough)
  • Hypertension, diabetes and metabolic disorders
  • Review of laboratory tests and MRI/CT reports (explained in clear language)
  • Preventive medicine and health monitoring
  • Second opinions and treatment adjustments (when clinically appropriate)

What the consultation is like
 Each session lasts up to 30 minutes. We review symptoms, medical history, medications and any tests you provide, and you finish the consultation with a clear treatment plan, defined next steps, and criteria to understand when follow-up may be needed. If warning signs are detected, he will clearly advise whether you need in-person care or urgent medical attention.

Book a video appointment
€86
Doctor
5.0(19)

Nuno Tavares Lopes

Family medicineGeneral medicine18 years of experience

Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes is a licensed physician in Portugal with 17 years of experience in emergency medicine, family and general practice, and public health. He is the Director of Medical and Public Health Services at an international healthcare network and serves as an external consultant for the WHO and ECDC.

  • Emergency care: infections, fever, chest/abdominal pain, minor injuries, paediatric emergencies
  • Family medicine: hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, chronic disease management
  • Travel medicine: pre-travel advice, vaccinations, fit-to-fly certificates, travel-related illnesses
  • Sexual and reproductive health: PrEP, STD prevention, counselling, treatment
  • Weight management and wellness: personalised weight loss programmes, lifestyle guidance
  • Skin and ENT issues: acne, eczema, allergies, rashes, sore throat, sinusitis
  • Pain management: acute and chronic pain, post-surgical care
  • Public health: prevention, health screenings, long-term monitoring
  • Sick leave (Baixa médica) connected to Segurança Social in Portugal
  • IMT medical certificates for driving licence exchange
Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes provides medical support for patients using GLP-1 medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) as part of a weight loss strategy. He offers individualised treatment planning, regular follow-up, dose adjustment, and advice on combining medication with sustainable lifestyle changes. Consultations follow the medical standards accepted in Europe.

Dr. Lopes also provides interpretation of medical tests, follow-up care for complex patients, and multilingual support. Whether for urgent concerns or long-term care, he helps patients act with clarity and confidence.

Book a video appointment
€70
Doctor
0.0(0)

Hocine Lokchiri

General medicine21 years of experience

Dr. Hocine Lokchiri is a French consultant with over 20 years of experience in General and Emergency Medicine. He works with adults and children, helping patients with urgent symptoms, infections, sudden health changes and everyday medical concerns that require timely evaluation. His background includes clinical practice in France, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates, which allows him to navigate different healthcare systems and manage a wide range of conditions with confidence. Patients value his calm, structured approach, clear explanations and evidence-based decision-making.

Online consultations with Dr. Lokchiri are suitable for many situations when someone needs quick medical guidance, reassurance or a clear next step. Common reasons for booking include:

  • fever, chills, fatigue and viral symptoms
  • cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, breathing discomfort
  • bronchitis and mild asthma flare-ups
  • nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, digestive infections
  • rashes, allergic reactions, redness, insect bites
  • muscle or joint pain, mild injuries, sprains
  • headache, dizziness, migraine symptoms
  • stress-related symptoms, sleep disturbances
  • questions about test results and treatment plans
  • management of chronic conditions in stable phases
Many patients reach out when symptoms appear suddenly and cause concern, when a child becomes unwell unexpectedly, when a rash changes or spreads, or when it’s unclear whether an in-person examination is necessary. His emergency medicine background is particularly valuable online, helping patients understand risk levels, identify warning signs and choose safe next steps.

Some situations are not suitable for online care. If a patient has loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, major trauma or symptoms suggesting a stroke or heart attack, he will advise seeking immediate local emergency services. This improves safety and ensures patients receive the right level of care.

Dr. Lokchiri’s professional training includes:

  • Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
  • Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (BLS/ACLS)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
  • eFAST and critical care transthoracic echocardiography
  • aviation medicine
He is an active member of several professional organisations, including the French Society of Emergency Medicine (SFMU), the French Association for Emergency Physicians (AMUF) and the Swiss Society of Emergency and Rescue Medicine (SGNOR). In consultations, he works with clarity and precision, helping patients understand their symptoms, possible risks and the safest treatment options.
Book a video appointment
€64

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