What are the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy?
Patient: I am confused as to differences between PMS & pregnancy symptoms. I normally have my period regularly and light for 2 days and hardly any symptoms. My period is 2 days late, extremely sore breasts, headaches and low stomach cramp. Am I experiencing PMS symptoms? Thank you Doctor: Hi there,,PMS symptoms are caused due you excess sensitivity to progesterone hormone which causes sore breasts, heaviness, bloating, headaches and depression. Even in pregnancy the progesterone hormone is on the rise and can cause similar symptoms too.The best way to tell if you are experiencing these due to pregnancy or PMS is by testing for Beta HCG which is the specific pregnancy hormone. Doing a home pregnancy test will detect it. And we can known the cause of your symptoms.The treatment of PMS, in case that this delayed period is due to PMS is to have a healthy diet and exercise and if the symptoms are too bothersome , medications such as SSRI( Fluoxetine, Paroxetine) in the second half of the cycle can be considered.If the urine pregnancy test comes positive contact a doctor for pregnancy care.Hope this helps.Regards.