What's the cause for PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition that affects your emotions, behavior and physical comfort or discomfort, just before the menstrual cycle--and sometimes during it as well.

Symptoms that you may experience prior to or during the menstrual cycle:

• Cramps

• Mood swings

• Nervousness

• Fatigue

• Depression

• Irritability

• Breast tenderness

• Sugar/carb cravings

• Headaches

• Hot flashes

• Breast aches

Cause #1: High estrogen

There is a connection between high estrogen (female hormone) and PMS symptoms. If your body has high amounts of estrogen from your diet or from other causes, like having a high percentage of body fat, this factor can cause many difficulties prior to the menstrual cycle as well as during it.