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premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

The term “PMS,” which stands for premenstrual syndrome, is often used with words like “symptoms” and “treatments,” as though premenstrual changes are an illness. Some women and other menstruators do experience debilitating discomfort, pain, or mood changes in the days before menstruation. But the label PMS suggests that most women must suffer a “syndrome” each month. This does not reflect the real and significant variation in women’s experiences.

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Resources

The Problem of Low Menstrual Health Literacy

A girl reads a book on the floor of a library

Textbooks still don't accurately describe why we menstruate, focusing only on hormonal shifts while ignoring period pain and blood loss.

Stories & Conversations

Six Trans Women Talk Menstruation

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This article discusses trans women’s thoughts and feelings about periods, pregnancy, PMS, and more.

Resources

The Menstrual Cycle

A drawing of a person riding a surfboard, the background is red and the wave is light pink, like they are "riding the crimson wave”.

What is the menstrual cycle? What happens in our bodies and how do the different stages of menstruation feel?

Resources

Physical and Emotional Challenges Through the Menstrual Cycle

A woman is on her bed, she leans forward with her head in her hands.

The menstrual cycle is governed by hormones that rise and fall in rhythmic patterns.

Stories & Conversations

Understanding How Hormones Affect My Mental and Physical Health

My Story: Understanding How Hormones Affect My Mental and Physical Health

XY discusses some of her health challenges as they relate to depressing thoughts and behaviors linked to her PMS and extreme menstrual cramps.

Stories & Conversations

Self-Compassion versus the Patriarchal Pharmaceutical Industry

My Story: Pushing Against the Patriarchy to Talk About Mental Health Amongst Women

XY advocates for kindness toward ourselves -- and for more research on menstruation that centers women instead of profit and patriarchy.

Stories & Conversations

Having to Learn About PMS on My Own

My Story: Having to Learn About PMS on My Own

XY addresses how she first learned about PMS and what she found in her own research. She discusses treatments she tried for her PMS and cramps.

Stories & Conversations

Calling on Society to Help Break the Stigma Surrounding Women's Health

My Story: Calling on Society to Help Break the Stigma Surrounding Women's Health

XY discusses why there is little research on menstrual health.

Resources

The Bloody Problem of PMS Research

The Bloody Problem of PMS

Is PMS real? This brief article highlights the lack of research about PMS because it primarily affects women and trans men. It explores ways to combat gender bias in medical research.

Resources

What to Expect from Your First Period (Menarche)

What to Expect from Your First Period (Menarche)

An overview of what to expect during someone’s first period, with answers to frequently asked questions.