PMS affects most women of reproductive age at some stage during their lives. The age group 30 plus tend to be more severely affected, especially those women who have had children in their late twenties and beyond. PMS is the result of reduced progesterone production post-ovulation or anovulation. Sustained failure to ovulate or produce sufficient estrogen gives rise to the symptoms of estrogen dominance and associated wide ranging symptoms.

Symptoms and Signs of Premenstrual Syndrome in TCM

(1) Syndrome of liver depression and qi stagnation
Main symptoms: Hypochondriac distension and oppression, distending pain in the breast, depression, frequent sighing, irritability, susceptibility to rage, lower abdominal pain, whitish thin tongue fur and thin and taut pulse before menstruation.

(2) Syndrome of yin asthenia and liver hyperactivity
Main symptoms: Dizziness and headache, restlesshess, occasional tidal fever,  feverish sensation over palms, soles and chest, irritating sensation in the eyes, tinnitus, dry mouth and throat, aching sensation in the loins and spine, red tongue and thin and rapid pulse during menstruation or before and after menstruation.

(3)  Syndrome of spleen and kidney asthenia
Main symptoms: Facial dropsy, edema of limbs,loose stool, even diarrhea, anorexia, epigastric distension, aching and weak sensation in the loins and knees,lassitude, dizziness, nausea, aversion to cold and cold limbs, whitish and slippery tongue fur as well as deep and weak pulse.