Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder; Premenstrual Tension) By JoAnn V Pinkerton, MD, University of Virginia Health System Reviewed / Revised Jan 2023 View Patient Education Etiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Key Points More Information Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a recurrent luteal-phase disorder characterized by irritability, anxiety, emotional lability, depression, edema, breast pain, and headaches, occurring during the 5 days before and usually ending a few hours after onset of menses.