Relationship between premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea

PMS is a clustering of symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, varying between 2 and 12 days before the onset of menses, and resolving within the first 24 hours of flow. Dysmenorrhea is a clustering of symptoms that occurs one to two days before menses, diminishing within two to four days into the flow. Clearly, the impact of the discomforts related to PMS and dysmenorrhea influence women's responses to their daily responsibilities. Findings suggest symptomatology during the premenstrual and menses phases are different entities and, therefore, require different types of intervention.