---
title: How is PMS defined and what is its history? | Niyora
description: PMS is not a new condition. Doctors described these symptoms as early as 1847, the term premenstrual tension was coined in 1931, and premenstrual syndrome ent
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-an-update-on-definitions-diagnosis-and-management-2001/
---

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- How is PMS defined and what is its history?

Review, 2001

# How is PMS defined and what is its history?

PMS is not a new condition. Doctors described these symptoms as early as 1847, the term premenstrual tension was coined in 1931, and premenstrual syndrome entered medical use in 1953.

 Early or limited evidence

No specific population; this review provided historical background.

## What they did

Reviewed the history, definitions, and management approaches for PMS.

## What they found

Symptoms of what we now call PMS have been documented for over a century. A doctor in 1847 described how menstruation in sensitive women is almost always accompanied by mental uneasiness, irritability and sadness. The term premenstrual tension was first used in 1931, and premenstrual syndrome was introduced in 1953.

## What it means for you

PMS is not a modern invention or a modern condition. People have recognized and described these symptoms for many decades, though the formal medical names are relatively recent. This review provides background on how medical understanding of PMS developed.

1847

First medical description of symptoms

1931

Term premenstrual tension coined

1953

Term premenstrual syndrome introduced

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual syndrome: an update on definitions, diagnosis and management Authors Moira Connolly Journal Advances in Psychiatric Treatment Year 2001 Study design Review What was tested No intervention tested; definitions and management approaches were reviewed. Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1192/apt.7.6.469](https://doi.org/10.1192/apt.7.6.469)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Cohort study, 2026

What genetic factors are linked to premenstrual symptoms?

Randomised trial, 2026

Does aerobic or resistance exercise reduce anxiety in women with PMS?

Study, 2026

How do women with PMDD process emotions differently in their brains?

Systematic review, 2026

Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle?

Case-control study, 2026

Do women with PMS handle emotions differently at different times of the cycle?

Survey study, 2025

Does PMDD or PMS affect quality of life?

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