Diary: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• The current month can be entered into the space at the top, and the date on which your period started can be noted in the box below.
• You can record how long your period lasted by drawing a line along the dates or adding further ticks.
• Any symptoms you observe throughout the month can be recorded in the table, indicating how severe they were using dots of different sizes.
• Things can be added to the list – either by typing them into the PDF file, or writing them on a printed version.
• You can use the last two rows of the table to make a note of whether the problems affected your relationships with your family, partner, friends or colleagues.

Example of a filled-in table:

Premenstrual syndrome can cause many different types of symptoms, such as:

• Pain, for example in the belly (abdomen), or headaches or back pain
• Discomfort and a feeling of being full in the lower belly
• Feeling bloated and digestive problems
• Swollen breasts
• Skin blemishes, acne
• Water retention in the legs

• Food cravings
• Changes in appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight gain

• Difficulty concentrating
• Forgetfulness, confusion
• Feeling down, sadness
• Emotional tension
• Wanting to be alone
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Being emotionally very sensitive or irritable
• Anger, aggression
• Feeling like you've lost control of your emotions and your body

• Lack of energy, becoming exhausted quickly
• Lack of motivation, listlessness
• Lack of interest in daily activities
• Feeling agitated or restless
• Nervous tension