How common is PMS? Myths vs. Facts

Let’s talk about PMS—Premenstrual Syndrome. Or as some of us like to call it, the monthly showdown between “Normal You” and “Emotional You.” If PMS were a person, it’d probably be the Bollywood villain who enters dramatically, flips the hero’s life upside down, and exits with a smirk after a week.  

But how common is PMS? And why does it get blamed for everything from eating a packet of chips to crying because a street dog ignored you? Today, we’re diving into the world of PMS, separating the myths from the facts, with enough masala to keep things interesting.  

Myth 1: PMS is Rare—Most Women Don’t Get It

Fact: PMS is as common as chai at an Indian railway station!

PMS affects about 80% of women at some point in their lives. If you’ve ever wondered why your sister, mother, girlfriend, or bestie suddenly starts snapping at you over “nothing,” chances are, PMS is involved. It’s not rare—it’s as regular as your monthly Zomato delivery of chocolate fudge brownies.  
And let’s not forget the silent PMS warriors.

There’s always that one woman in your office who looks calm but secretly wants to throw her laptop out of the window because Excel won’t behave.  

Myth 2: PMS Is Just a Bad Mood 

Fact: PMS is like a Bollywood drama, complete with action, emotion, and suspense.  

Many people think PMS is all about mood swings. Wrong! PMS is an overachiever—it comes with a full package of symptoms:  

- Headaches  

- Cramps  

- Bloating (where your jeans become as tight as your budget post-Diwali shopping)  

- Food cravings (parathas at midnight, anyone?)  

- And yes, mood swings that make you laugh one minute and cry the next, just like watching an SRK-Kajol movie.  

Pro tip: If you see a PMSing woman binge-watching something emotional like Kal Ho Na Ho, hand her an ice cream tub and quietly leave the room.  

Myth 3: PMS Is the Same for Everyone

Fact: PMS is like biryani—everyone has their version.  

No two women experience PMS the same way. For some, it’s mild—like a gentle drizzle during monsoon. For others, it’s a full-on cyclone. One woman might cry because her tea isn’t sweet enough, while another might get ready to start a protest because someone finished the achar.  

Even the symptoms vary. Some women feel bloated and tired, while others become a mix of hyperactive and emotional, like an over-caffeinated squirrel. And then there are those lucky ones who barely notice PMS at all. (We secretly envy them, but also… how?!)  

 

Myth 4: PMS Is Just an Excuse to Be Cranky

Fact: PMS is a genuine hormonal roller coaster.  

This one gets our blood boiling (not just because of PMS). Saying PMS is “just an excuse” is like saying cricket is “just a game.” It’s not—it’s a full-blown, all-consuming experience.  

PMS happens because of hormonal changes in the body, particularly a drop in estrogen and progesterone levels. It’s science, people—not drama! If you don’t believe it, try having your hormones mess with you for a week every month and then see how “fine” you feel.  

And no, women don’t use PMS as an excuse to yell at their partners. We yell because you forgot to order extra green chutney with the momo—PMS is just the cherry on top of our irritation cake.  

Myth 5: PMS Ends with the Period 

Fact: PMS has a post-credits scene.  

Just like a Marvel movie, PMS doesn’t end when you think it does. Some women experience symptoms even after their period starts. This is the “PMS hangover,” where your body still feels like it’s in the aftermath of an emotional earthquake.  

So, if you’re thinking, “Oh, her period’s started, she’ll be fine now,” think again. We’re still dealing with cramps, fatigue, and mood swings. Be patient, yaar.  

Myth 6: Only Women Get Affected by PMS

Fact: Men also feel the *side effects* of PMS—but indirectly.  

Let’s not forget the husbands, boyfriends, brothers, and fathers who become collateral damage during PMS week. Ever seen a man cautiously asking, “Everything okay?” while holding a peace offering of chocolate? That’s the face of someone who knows the storm is coming but hopes to survive it.  

Gentlemen, the key to dealing with PMS is simple: don’t argue, don’t ask “Why are you crying?” and don’t say, “It’s not a big deal.” Instead, offer snacks, nod sympathetically, and occasionally disappear until things settle down.  

Can you imagine how it would be if men had periods? Click here to find out: https://sustainablestree.in/blogs/stree/if-men-had-periods

Why Does PMS Get Such a Bad Rep?

Let’s admit it—PMS has become the scapegoat for everything. Feeling lazy? “Must be PMS.” Forgot your keys? “PMS brain fog!” Cried during a KBC episode? “Must be the hormones.”  

While PMs can be intense, not every mood swing or emotional outburst is because of it. Sometimes, we’re just genuinely annoyed, okay? Like when Zomato delivers cold soup—that’s NOT PMS, that’s just a crime.   

The Bright Side of PMS 

Believe it or not, PMS has its funny moments too. Like that time when you started crying because a saree ad reminded you of your grandmother. Or when you ate an entire family-sized pack of chips and then blamed it on “hormonal hunger.”  

And let’s not forget the unintentional comedy of trying to explain PMS to someone who just doesn’t get it. “So, it’s like your hormones throw a party, but you’re not invited, and then they leave you to clean up the mess.”  

 

How to Deal with PMS (Without Losing Your Mind)

For those who experience PMS, here are a few tips to make the journey smoother:  

1. Snack Smart: Stock up on comfort foods, but don’t go overboard. You don’t want to explain to your doctor why you ate 12 gulab jamuns in one sitting.  
2. Exercise a Bit: Even a 15-minute walk can help. Yes, we know the couch is tempting, but trust us on this.  
3. Stay Hydrated: Drink water, not just chai or Coke. Your body will thank you.  
4. Communicate: Tell your loved ones how you feel—preferably without throwing chappals at them.  
5. Laugh About It: Remember, pms is temporary. And some of the situations it creates are genuinely hilarious when you think about them later.  

Final Thoughts

PMS is more common than the Indian obsession with cricket, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. The next time someone jokes about PMS, hit them with the facts—and maybe a pillow, depending on your mood.  

Remember, whether you’re crying over a broken nail or laughing at your mood swings, you’re not alone. PMS is part of life, and like all things Indian, it comes with a mix of drama, comedy, and a touch of chaos. So, embrace it, laugh through it, and don’t forget to keep a stash of snacks handy!