At what point in the menstrual cycle do PMS symptoms typically manifest?

PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, typically manifests during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. This phase occurs after ovulation and before the start of menstruation. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly changes in estrogen and progesterone, are most pronounced during this time and are believed to contribute to the physical and emotional symptoms experienced in PMS.

As the luteal phase comes to a close, women may experience a range of symptoms including mood swings, irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness, which align with the timeline of PMS manifestation. It is characterized by a distinct pattern where these symptoms begin to resolve with the onset of menstruation, reinforcing the association with the late luteal phase.

The other phases of the menstrual cycle do not typically align with the onset of PMS symptoms. For instance, immediately post-menstruation, hormone levels are relatively stable and at their lowest, hence PMS symptoms do not emerge. The mid-cycle phase occurs during ovulation, when hormone levels rise but are generally not associated with PMS. Similarly, the follicular phase, which occurs after menstruation and before ovulation, is characterized by rising estrogen but typically does not coincide with the symptoms of PMS.