PMS is usually diagnosed if at least one of the symptoms listed above occurs during the five days before the start of menses for at least three cycles, two of which must be consecutive cycles. Additionally, these symptoms stop at least four days after the onset of menses and do not recur until the next cycle.[1]
How is PMS diagnosed?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
PMS is diagnosed when at least one symptom occurs during the 5 days before menstruation for at least 3 cycles, including 2 consecutive cycles. Symptoms must cease at least 4 days after menstruation begins and not return until the next cycle.