Translation guide
PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is a medical term referring to physical and emotional symptoms before menstruation. In Japanese, it is commonly referred to by the English abbreviation PMS or the longer term 月経前症候群. This guide covers how to talk about PMS naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the condition PMS in conversation or writing.
The English abbreviation is widely understood in Japan, especially among younger people and in medical contexts. Pronounced as English letters.
PMSの症状がひどいんです。
My PMS symptoms are severe.
The formal medical term. Used in clinical settings or when precise terminology is needed.
月経前症候群は多くの女性が経験します。
Many women experience premenstrual syndrome.
A softer, more everyday way to refer to PMS symptoms without using medical jargon. Literally 'pre-menstrual discomfort'.
生理前の不調でイライラする。
I get irritable from PMS.
Describing that someone is currently suffering from PMS.
Use the particle で to indicate the cause of a state or action. Very natural in conversation.
PMSでお腹が痛い。
My stomach hurts because of PMS.
彼女はPMSで機嫌が悪い。
She's in a bad mood because of PMS.
A casual way to explain symptoms by saying 'because it's before my period'. Often used among friends.
生理前だからだるい。
I feel sluggish because it's before my period.
Talking about particular symptoms like cramps, mood swings, bloating, etc.
Instead of saying 'PMS', describe the symptom directly with 生理前の (pre-menstrual). This is very common and natural.
生理前のイライラがひどい。
My pre-menstrual irritability is bad.
生理前の腹痛に悩んでいます。
I suffer from pre-menstrual abdominal pain.
Directly saying 'PMS symptoms'. Clear and widely understood.
PMSの症状には個人差があります。
PMS symptoms vary from person to person.
PMS is a common loanword in Japanese and is generally not considered overly clinical. However, in very formal writing or medical documents, 月経前症候群 may be preferred. Among close friends, 生理前 (before period) is often used instead of PMS to sound more casual.
While 症候群 means 'syndrome', the full term 月経前症候群 is quite technical. In everyday speech, stick to PMS or 生理前の不調.