What is premenstrual syndrome and how do doctors diagnose it?

Premenstrual syndrome is the cyclic recurrence of a group of symptoms that appear during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (1-2 weeks prior to menses) and diminish significantly or disappear completely several days after the onset of menstruation. Premenstrual syndrome encompasses a wide variety of symptoms that are unique to and diagnostic of premenstrual syndrome. To be diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome, three conditions must be met: a woman’s symptoms must correspond with the luteal phase and be absent during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle; the symptoms should have some degree of monthly recurrence; and the symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with some aspect of life style. Daily records confirming the severity, impact, and timing of symptoms are essential in confirming the diagnosis and ruling out more chronic disorders.

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