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Mood changes or cramps before a period

Also called: PMS, PMDD, premenstrual symptoms

Mood changes, irritability, bloating, and cramps in the week or two before a period are premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which is very common. When mood symptoms are severe and affect daily life, it may be premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Lifestyle changes and treatments help.

Common causesHormone changes in the menstrual cycle
Usually serious?Usually not
Get checked ifSymptoms affect daily life or relationships
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

PMS symptoms start in the 1 to 2 weeks before a period and ease within a few days of it starting. They include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, tiredness, food cravings, bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches.

PMDD causes severe depression, anxiety, or anger before periods. Tracking symptoms helps tell PMS apart from other mood conditions.

When to get medical care

Call 911Thoughts of harming yourself or others: call or text 988, or call 911 if you're in danger.
Get care todaySevere depression or hopelessness before periods.
See a doctor soonSymptoms that affect work, school, or relationships. Mood symptoms that don't go away after your period.

Causes

Symptoms come from hormone changes during the cycle. Stress, poor sleep, and depression can make them worse.

OwieClear has pages on 2 conditions that can cause mood changes or cramps before a period. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Often treated at home

    Physical and emotional symptoms in the week or two before a period, like bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, irritability, and tiredness.

  • PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)See a doctor if it doesn't get better

    Severe mood symptoms like depression, anxiety, rage, or hopelessness in the week or two before a period, easing once it starts.

What you can do at home

  • Track symptoms for 2 to 3 cycles.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Limit salt, caffeine, and alcohol.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Use heat for cramps.

Medicines

Ibuprofen or naproxen help cramps. SSRIs and some birth control pills treat PMDD and severe PMS.

At the doctor

A symptom diary helps.

Questions you may be asked

  • Timing of symptoms
  • Severity
  • Mood between periods

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

  • Symptom tracking
  • Thyroid tests if needed

Prevention

Healthy habits help.

  • Exercise
  • Sleep
  • Limit caffeine and alcohol

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.