PMS FAQ

If you're like most men, PMS is about as interesting as bargain hunting for linens; however, there are facts that you need to know to protect yourself against the dragon lady wearing your loved one's clothes. Plus, you'll have the added bonus of seeming well-informed and sensitive should the subject come up over beer nuts at poker night. (Yeah, right.)

Q: Is PMS for real or does it belong in the fake-orgasm-I-have-a-headache category of women's behavior?

A: PMS isn't an urban legend, an excuse, or a life-sentence of misery – for either of you. About half of all women experience PMS at some point in their lives. Really.

Q: What causes the women in my life to turn crazier than Mike Tyson?

A: PMS is caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle but can be aggravated by diet, childbirth, stress, you, switching birth control pills, lack of exercise, vitamin or mineral deficiencies and you.

Q: How do I know if it's PMS or something else…like rabies?

A: The worst symptoms usually occur two to 10 days before a woman's period then disappear completely when her period begins. Women who are cranky all month long do not have PMS, they're just evil; what characterizes symptoms as PMS-related is their timing.

Q: Is she looking for sympathy?

A: Are you looking for sex?

For the complete lowdown on PMS (with cartoons, jokes and proven PMS protection techniques) get your copy of The Prince & the PMS: The Survival Manual.