What is a key temporal characteristic of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

The key temporal characteristic of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is that symptoms typically start 5 or more days prior to menstruation and resolve shortly after the onset of menstruation. This pattern is crucial in distinguishing PMS from other menstrual-related disorders. The symptoms, which can include emotional disturbances, physical discomfort, and behavioral changes, are closely linked to the fluctuations in hormonal levels that occur during the menstrual cycle. Understanding this timing helps clinicians to diagnose PMS accurately and differentiate it from other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, particularly those that persist throughout the menstrual cycle rather than being limited to the premenstrual phase. This definition also emphasizes the necessity of symptom tracking over multiple cycles to confirm the diagnosis.