Do I Have PMS? Quiz

Have you ever noticed yourself feeling bloated, irritable, or unusually hungry… only to realize that your period was right around the corner? 

If so, you may have wondered if your symptoms were caused by PMS (premenstrual syndrome) — or something else. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through: 

• What exactly PMS is

• What causes it

• How you can tell if you have it

• When you should speak with your doctor

We’ve also put together a helpful guide for interpreting your PMS Quiz results. 

What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to the mix of physical and emotional symptoms that can be felt before your period. Symptoms can begin anytime after ovulation, and they typically resolve once your period begins. 

What Causes PMS?

The exact cause of PMS is unknown. However, researchers believe underlying hormonal fluctuations likely play a role. 

To better understand this, let’s take a closer look at the hormonal shifts that occur during the menstrual cycle. 

During the first half of the menstrual cycle (i.e. the follicular phase), estrogen levels rise and reach their peak around ovulation. Estrogen not only boosts the production of serotonin (a ‘happy hormone’), but it also increases the sensitivity of serotonin receptors. This is why you may feel happier and/or more energized around ovulation. 

After ovulation during the luteal phase, estrogen levels fall, rise again (slightly) in the mid-luteal phase, and then continue to fall before your period. This overall decrease in estrogen levels limits the production of serotonin and the sensitivity of serotonin receptors. At the same time, progesterone levels rise and then fall back to their baseline levels before your period. 

Researchers believe this fluctuation in progesterone, combined with declining estrogen and serotonin levels, is what causes PMS symptoms to occur. 

How is PMS Diagnosed?

There are no specific lab tests or physical indicators used to diagnose PMS. 

Instead, doctors typically diagnose PMS by assessing:

• Your physical and emotional symptoms.

• The timing of your symptoms.

• The impact of your symptoms on your day-to-day life and well-being.

For example, a PMS diagnosis is typically given when the following criteria are met: 

• Physical and emotional symptoms present in the five days before your period for at least three menstrual cycles in a row.

• Symptoms end within four days after your period begins.

• Symptoms interfere with your normal activities.

If your symptoms are unpredictable or so severe that they have a significant impact on your daily quality of life, this could indicate a more serious underlying health concern — such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). 

PMS vs. PMDD: What’s the Difference?

PMDD is a more severe or ‘intense’ form of PMS that affects an estimated 1.6% of women worldwide. 

Unlike PMS symptoms which are uncomfortable but manageable, PMDD symptoms are so severe that they disrupt daily life and often require additional support. 

The below table highlights some of the key differences between PMS and PMDD and common treatment approaches. 

Navigating Your Premenstrual Symptoms

To better understand your symptoms, it’s a good idea to start logging your symptoms in a diary or cycle-tracking app (like the Mira App) before speaking with your doctor. This can help you connect the dots between the timing, intensity, and duration of your symptoms. 

For even more clarity, it can also be helpful to track your hormone levels. This can be done from home with Mira’s Hormone Monitor and Wands. When tracked over time, you can see how your PMS symptoms correlate with your shifting hormones. This is especially helpful if your cycles are irregular and difficult to predict. 

In some cases, regular hormone tracking can reveal an underlying hormone imbalance — which may indicate a more serious underlying health concern, such as PCOS. In this case, it’s important to seek immediate advice from your doctor or a hormone health specialist. 

Do I Have PMS? Take the PMS Quiz

If you are feeling confused by your symptoms and the way your mind and body feel — you are not alone. PMS symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and even cycle to cycle, and it can be difficult to tell if your symptoms are ‘normal’ or something more serious.

This PMS questionnaire is not a medical test, but is designed to be used as a self-reflection guide to help you:

• Reflect on your symptoms and how they impact your life.

• Get clarity on whether your symptoms align with common PMS symptoms.

• Determine if you need to speak with your doctor about your symptoms.

Interpreting Your PMS Quiz Results

When Your PMS Symptoms Could Point to Something Else

Sometimes what feels like PMS can be a sign of a more serious health concern, such as: 

• Anxiety Disorder — a mental health condition characterized by uncontrollable feelings of fear, worry, and nervousness. 

• Depression — a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, fatigue, and emptiness. 

• Endometriosis — a physical condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. 

• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) — a hormone disorder that affects ovarian functioning. 

• PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) — a more intense form of PMS characterized by intense feelings of sadness, anger, and/or anxiety ahead of menstruation. 

These conditions share similar symptoms with PMS but often require specialized medical attention and support. 

You should speak with your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following: 

• Intense pain in the pelvic area.

• Periods lasting longer than one week. 

• Heavy periods that require changing a pad or tampon every 1-2 hours. 

• Pain during or after intercourse.

• Difficulty getting pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy. 

• Persistent feelings of low mood, hopelessness, or thoughts of self-harm and/or suicide. 

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

If you’re concerned about your symptoms but unsure how to navigate the conversation with your doctor, consider asking them the following questions: 

• Could my symptoms be related to something else?

• Could I have PMDD?

• Do I need any tests to rule out other conditions?  

• Would testing my hormones help?

• Should I consider making any lifestyle changes? 

• Are there any vitamins or supplements that might help? 

• When should I be concerned about my symptoms? 

Managing PMS Symptoms

Lifestyle Tips

Maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle can play a powerful role in PMS symptom management — here’s how: 

• Regular exercise can boost your mood and energy levels. 

• Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and staying hydrated can ease bloating, reduce irritability, and improve concentration. 

• Getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each day can reduce the intensity of certain emotional PMS symptoms, such as anger, anxiety, and fatigue. 

• Relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises, can improve mood and quality of sleep. 

Dietary Supplements, Herbal Remedies, and Alternative Treatments

The most commonly recommended dietary supplements and herbal remedies shown to help improve PMS symptoms include:

• Calcium

• Chaste tree berries — try it in Mira’s own fertility tea.

• Evening primrose oil

• Magnesium + vitamin B6

• St. John’s wort

• Vitamin D

• Vitamin E

Although research is limited, certain alternative treatments like acupuncture, aromatherapy, and reflexotherapy may also improve PMS symptoms in some cases. 

Medications

Standard over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol), can help reduce pain from PMS. 

You can also find combination drugs specifically formulated to ease PMS symptoms. The most common brands are Midol and Pamprin, which typically contain a pain reliever plus a diuretic (to ease bloating) and antihistamine (to combat bloating and fatigue). 

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may also recommend certain prescription medications — such as hormonal birth control, antidepressants, or prescription-strength pain relievers. 

Debunking PMS Myths

Everyone’s experience of PMS is different, and that’s okay! The following table highlights the most common PMS myths you may come across when researching your PMS symptoms. 

Final Thoughts

Understanding how your body feels throughout your menstrual cycle is key to maintaining good reproductive health. 

With PMS symptoms, it’s important to:

• Track your symptoms in a diary or app.

• Try different lifestyle adjustments, over-the-counter medications, and supplements to see what works best for easing your symptoms. 

• Don’t be afraid to speak with your doctor if you are struggling to manage your symptoms on your own. 

For further resources on PMS and hormone health, you may also find our library of blogs, webinars, and ebooks helpful. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get PMS symptoms two weeks before my period?

Researchers believe the hormonal shifts that occur after ovulation are to blame for PMS symptoms, which can appear as early as two weeks before your period. Key hormonal shifts include a rise and fall in progesterone levels along with an overall decline in estrogen and serotonin levels. 

What is PMS, and why don't I have it? 

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is the mix of physical and emotional symptoms that can be felt before your period — such as cramping, fatigue, or mood swings. 

If your PMS test online indicates that you do not have PMS, your symptoms may be too mild, too intense, or not consistent enough to clearly indicate PMS. 

Further symptom tracking, hormone testing, and a consultation with your doctor can help clarify the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Do you have any suggestions for easing up the PMS symptoms?

The following lifestyle adjustments, supplements, and medications can help ease your PMS symptoms:

• Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.

• Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each day.

• Try yoga, meditation, or acupuncture for stress relief.

• Incorporate supplements and herbal remedies into your diet to ease symptoms — such as calcium, chaste tree berries, and vitamin D. 

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers.

If you struggle to manage your symptoms on your own, speak with your doctor. They can provide further guidance on prescription medications for easing your symptoms. 

Why do I have PMS symptoms directly after my period?

PMS symptoms after your period may be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as PMDD, endometriosis, or hormone imbalance.

If you frequently experience PMS symptoms after your period, speak with your doctor. They can run further testing and assessments to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. 

How early can PMS start before a period?

PMS symptoms can begin as early as two weeks before your period. 

What are the benefits of taking a period symptoms quiz? 

A period symptoms quiz or PMS Quiz can help you listen to your body, identify your symptoms, and get clarity on the next steps you can take to get help.