Medical History for PMS

Your medical history is an important tool for your doctor in determining whether you have Reference premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Opens New Window. Your medical history includes your:

• Record of your PMS symptoms, menstrual dates, and ovulation dates, if possible. It may help to keep a menstrual diary (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?).
• History of PMS-like symptoms.
• Menstrual history (age when you had your first period, problems related to menstruation such as cramping).
• Pregnancy history (whether you've had children, what your pregnancies and deliveries were like, and what kinds of birth control you've used).
• Family health history (female relatives with PMS).
• Sexual history, including Reference sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Opens New Window.

Based on the length and regularity of your Reference menstrual cycles Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window, your doctor will try to determine whether you are releasing an egg from the Reference ovaries Opens New Window each month (Reference ovulation Opens New Window).

Your doctor may also ask you about your mental health history, including:

• Past episodes of Reference depression Opens New Window, Reference bipolar disorder Opens New Window or Reference mania Opens New Window, Reference anxiety Opens New Window, Reference panic attacks Opens New Window, or other mental illness.
• Current symptoms of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, personality disorder, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Family history of mental illness.
• History of depression after childbirth (Reference postpartum depression Opens New Window).

PMS can cause emotional and behavioral symptoms similar to those of depression or ADHD, so it's important to find out whether you have one of these problems. Some of these problems can get worse during the premenstrual phase. If you have PMS as well as another disorder, you may need treatment for both conditions.

Your doctor will take your medical history if you are having any symptoms of PMS. If your symptoms affect your mood or behavior, a mental health history is important.

A diagnosis of PMS is indicated when:

• Your symptoms consistently occur (or get worse) between the day you ovulate and the first days of your period. While just over 50 out of 100 women ovulate around 2 weeks before their period, the time of ovulation can vary from woman to woman and month to month. Use a menstrual diary (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to keep track of when your symptoms occur.
• Your medical history does not suggest any other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

No single test can diagnose PMS. A diagnosis of PMS is usually based on your symptoms and medical history. Tests to check for other medical conditions that might be causing symptoms should be done only as needed.

Complete the medical test information form (PDF) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you prepare for this test.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.