Premenstrual syndrome: an update on definitions, diagnosis and management

Most articles on the management of the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) begin by noting that the term “premenstrual tension” was first coined by R. T. Frank in 1931 and “pre-menstrual syndrome” by Greene & Dalton in 1953. However, in 1847, Dr Ernst F. von Feuchtersleben wrote: “The menses in sensitive women is almost always attended by mental uneasiness, irritability and sadness.” (quoted by Rubinow & Schmidt, 1995)