It is unlikely that an individual will experience all of the above symptoms at once. In fact, a woman need exhibit but one of the below symptoms to be diagnosed with PMS, as long as the symptom is experienced consistently every month before her cycle. To diagnose and identify PMS, a doctor must typically perform three or four procedures. First, he or she should review the patient's medical history, then conduct a physical exam, and finally do a psychological evaluation. The doctor may also order additional tests.

Complications of PMS
While PMS does not have particular complications per se, its symptoms can be mistaken for more severe conditions that warrant medical attention. These conditions are less common than PMS itself, and just because a woman is experiencing the associated symptoms does not mean she necessarily has the disorder. However, care should be taken, especially in women with intense mood-related symptoms.

Women who experience severe PMS symptoms that lower their quality of life often seek ways to manage and treat their symptoms. Continue reading for information on lifestyle, alternative, and pharmaceutical treatments for PMS.