Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) occurs in most ovulating women at some time in their lives, with about 5 % of women having symptoms which are persistent and severe. Symptoms include breast congestion and tenderness, abdominal bloating, mental fuzziness, headaches and fluid retention. They may also be associated with anxiety, depression, lethargy, sleep disturbance and alteration of appetite and libido. Medications may alleviate specific symptoms e.g. diuretics for fluid retention and antidepressants for depression. Hormonal suppression of menstruation will often alleviate symptoms.

Acupuncture is effective for relieving symptoms of PMS. If a discernable response is noted with treatment in the symptomatic phase, a course of treatment will often alleviate symptoms prophylactically.