Women's Healthjīngqián bùshì

Premenstrual Symptoms (PMS)

Also called:PMSPremenstrual syndromePremenstrual symptoms

From the TCM perspective: TCM perimenstrual disorders / menstrual mood changes; centered on the liver.

Overview

Premenstrual syndrome is the cyclic recurrence of emotional, physical and behavioral symptoms before a period, resolving afterward. TCM groups these as 'perimenstrual disorders', centered on liver qi stagnation, with qi-stagnation-damp obstruction, blood failing to nourish the heart, or liver constraint transforming into fire.

☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)

Liver qi stagnation

Key distinguishing signs: Premenstrual breast/lower-abdomen distending pain, chest/rib fullness, low mood or irritability resolving after menses, thin coat, wiry pulse.
Treatment principle: Soothe liver, regulate qi and resolve constraint

Qi stagnation with damp obstruction

Key distinguishing signs: Premenstrual edema of limbs/face, weight gain, bloating, heavy sleepy body resolving after menses, white greasy coat, soggy pulse.
Treatment principle: Regulate qi, move stagnation and transform dampness

Blood failing to nourish the heart

Key distinguishing signs: Premenstrual palpitations, insomnia, dreamfulness, dizziness, poor memory, fatigue, scant pale flow, pale tongue, fine pulse.
Treatment principle: Nourish blood, calm the heart and regulate menstruation

Liver constraint transforming into fire

Key distinguishing signs: Premenstrual irritability/anger, headache, bitter/dry mouth, red face, acne, constipation, dark urine, red tongue with yellow coat, wiry rapid pulse.
Treatment principle: Clear liver fire and relieve vexation

Daily self-care

Before periods reduce salt, caffeine, sugar and alcohol; keep regular meals, sleep and moderate aerobic exercise.
Chart symptoms against the cycle and plan stress-reduction; maintain balanced calcium, magnesium and B6 intake (supplement under advice if needed).
If emotional symptoms severely disrupt life or include self-harm thoughts, seek gynecologic/mental-health support.

When to seek medical help

The following warning signs require prompt medical evaluation — do not rely on self-treatment:

Severe premenstrual low mood or self-harm thoughts: seek crisis/mental-health help immediately.
Severe headache with neurological symptoms, chest pain or abnormal bleeding: prompt care.
Symptoms persisting all cycle and worsening: evaluate depression, anxiety and thyroid disease.

Medical disclaimer: Educational content about traditional Chinese medicine for information only; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace a qualified clinician. If symptoms worsen or warning signs appear, seek medical care.

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