Meanings
- UKuncountableSynonym of premenstrual syndrome: the physical and psychological malaise experienced by many women between ovulation and the onset of menstruation.First known use 1931
In 1931, Frank coined the term premenstrual tension, in reference to the cyclical recurrence of tension, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in 15 women during their premenstrual phase.
2006, Corey L.M. Keyes, Sherryl H. Goodman, Women and Depression: A Handbook for the Social, Behavioral, and Biomedical Sciences2 more examples
There may be an actual distaste for sexual relations for a week or so prior to the period, perhaps as part of a picture of general irritability and vague feelings of discomfort of which some women complain; the name "premenstrual tension" has been applied to this.
1950, Louis Portnoy, Jules Saltman, Fertility in Marriage: A Guide for the ChildlessHowever, the pervasive social impact of the premenstrual tension comes from psychological, behavioral change, and this is the time of month that women are likely to be admitted to psychiatric wards.
1950, Public Health Service publication no. 263, sect. 20, 1969Synonyms: premenstrual syndrome
Synonyms & antonyms
nounSynonym of premenstrual syndrome: the physical and psychological malaise experienced by many women between ovulation and the onset of menstruation.
Origin
Coined by Robert T. Frank in 1931 of New York, the first doctor to treat PMS's physical and psychological components as related to a single cause.
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
premenstrual tension. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/premenstrual%20tension
“premenstrual tension.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/premenstrual%20tension. Accessed November 5, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “premenstrual tension,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/premenstrual%20tension.
Source: premenstrual tension on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.