Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is both physical and emotional symptoms such as bloating, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability, and mood swings. These symptoms usually start in the two-week period after ovulation and before menstruation, due to estrogen and progesterone levels falling. Symptoms often go away once the period starts. Severe PMS symptoms may be a sign of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). During perimenopause, both PMS and PMDD often get worse. Once a woman is postmenopausal, symptoms of PMS resolve.