Shortness of Breath During PMS: Is This a Normal Symptom?

• Researched and written by: Dr Akshara CH, MBBS
• Edited by: Vaibhavi Kodnani
• Medical inputs by: Dr Poonguzhali Liston, MBBS, MS OBG, FMAS, DRM, FRM, CIMP
• Medically reviewed by: Dr Yash Bahuguna, MBBS, MS, DNB, ISGE Certified Practitioner for PCOS
  

TL;DR

• Shortness of breath is not a typical PMS symptom. However, some women may notice mild breathing changes in the days leading up to their period.[1]

• Hormonal shifts during the luteal and premenstrual phase can influence breathing patterns and how the body perceives breathing effort.[2]

• Premenstrual bloating, fluid retention, and anxiety may also create a feeling of chest tightness or make breathing feel more shallow.[1]

• In some cases, heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which may cause fatigue and breathlessness.[3]

• Getting cool air and performing certain breathing exercises like diaphragmatic breathing, pursed lip breathing, or box breathing in the forward-leaning position can provide immediate relief. 

• Preventive measures include performing relaxation techniques like light stretching, meditation, yoga nidra, or progressive muscle relaxation to reduce anxiety and stress. 

• Severe, sudden, or persistent shortness of breath should always be evaluated by a doctor.

Is Shortness of Breath a Normal PMS Symptom?

Shortness of breath means it feels harder to breathe than usual. You may notice shallow breathing. At times, you may need to pause to catch your breath. Additionally, normal activities such as climbing stairs may make you feel more winded than usual.

Shortness of breath is not usually listed as a core symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, some women report feeling slightly breathless, unable to take a full breath, or experiencing temporary breathing discomfort even after normal physical exertion in the days before their period.[1,2]

PMS symptoms usually appear during the late luteal or premenstrual phase, a few days before menstruation, and improve once bleeding begins.[1] If your breathing discomfort follows this same cyclical pattern, it may be related to premenstrual changes.

In most cases, the sensation is mild and temporary. Paying attention to the timing, severity, and associated symptoms can help you understand whether these changes are normal or need medical attention.

What Are the Causes of Breathlessness Before Periods?

Hormonal changes and specific physical and emotional symptoms of PMS may be possible causes of shortness of breath before periods. 

Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels

Some research shows that hormones like estrogen and progesterone affect the lungs and breathing muscles. Post-ovulation, during the luteal phase, progesterone rises and becomes the dominant hormone. It slightly affects the breathing pattern, even though oxygen levels remain normal. 

As a result, some women may notice that their breathing feels faster or different. They may experience a sensation of not getting enough air or difficulty taking a satisfying deep breath. They may also become more aware of their breathing. These sensations are usually mild and tend to improve once menstruation begins.[2]

Bloating and fluid retention

Bloating and fluid retention are common physical symptoms of PMS.[1] When your abdomen feels swollen, it can push upward against the diaphragm, the main muscle that helps you breathe.

This pressure can make breathing feel a little shallow or restricted, even though your lungs are working normally. Many women describe the sensation as heaviness or tightness, rather than breathing difficulty.

As bloating improves after your period starts, this breathing discomfort usually eases as well.

Anxiety

Some women feel more anxious in the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle. Hormonal changes during this time can make the nervous system more sensitive.[6,10]

When anxiety increases, breathing naturally becomes faster and more shallow. This can create the uncomfortable feeling of air hunger, or the sense that you cannot get a satisfying breath.

You may also notice:

• Chest tightness

• Lightheadedness

• Tingling in the fingers

• Increased awareness of breathing

If your breathing improves when you slow down, relax, or practise gentle breathing exercises, anxiety may be contributing to the sensation.[6]

Can Anything Else Affect Your Breathing Before Periods?

If your breathing feels different before your period, it may simply be related to hormonal changes. However, it is important not to assume that every breathing symptom is caused by PMS. Sometimes, it may indicate other health conditions. 

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that mainly affects mood and emotional health.[5]

Intense anxiety and panic before periods are common symptoms of PMDD. These symptoms can activate the body’s stress response, affecting breathing patterns. You might notice:

• Rapid breathing

• Chest tightness

• A feeling of not getting enough air

• Heart palpitations (a racing heart)

These symptoms often improve once menstruation begins.[5]

Iron deficiency anemia

Heavy menstrual bleeding over time can lower iron levels and lead to iron deficiency anemia.[3]

When iron levels are low, your body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently. This may lead to symptoms such as:

• Persistent fatigue

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Palpitations

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity[3]

Unlike mild PMS-related breathing changes, symptoms from iron deficiency often continue even after your period ends and may gradually worsen if the condition is not treated.

Asthma

If you have asthma, your symptoms may worsen before or during your period. This pattern is called perimenstrual asthma.[11]

Hormonal changes can affect airway sensitivity and inflammation, which may make asthma symptoms more noticeable around this time.

You might notice:

• Increased wheezing

• More chest tightness

• More frequent coughing

• Greater need for your inhaler

If you see a clear monthly pattern, it is worth discussing this with your doctor. Adjusting asthma treatment during the premenstrual phase may help control symptoms.

Catamenial pneumothorax

In rare cases, a lung can partially collapse around the time menstruation begins. This condition is called catamenial pneumothorax and has been linked to endometriosis involving the chest.[4]

It usually occurs within the first few days of a period and may cause sudden chest pain along with noticeable shortness of breath. The pain is often sharp and may be felt more on one side of the chest.[4]

This is very different from the mild breathing discomfort some women notice with PMS. If you develop sudden chest pain together with difficulty breathing around your period, seek urgent medical care.[4]

Warning signs that need immediate care

Breathing symptoms should never be ignored if they are sudden, severe, or different from your usual monthly pattern. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden severe shortness of breath

• Sharp or one-sided chest pain

• Fainting or feeling close to fainting

• Blue lips or fingertips

• Rapidly worsening breathing

• Extremely heavy bleeding with weakness

Could It Indicate Pregnancy?

Shortness of breath can occasionally occur in early pregnancy. Rising progesterone levels can make you breathe slightly faster and feel like you cannot get a full breath. This may start very early, sometimes even before a missed period.

However, many early pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue, breast tenderness, bloating, and even changes in breathing can be very similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This overlap can make it difficult to tell the difference based on symptoms alone.

How to tell the difference

The most helpful clue is timing:

• PMS symptoms usually improve once your period begins

• Pregnancy-related symptoms tend to continue after a missed period and may gradually become more noticeable

Next steps 

If pregnancy is possible, the most reliable way to know is to take a home pregnancy test after a missed period. You must also speak with a doctor irrespective of the test results.

Berry's Tips: Home Remedies for Shortness of Breath During PMS

If you experience breathing discomfort during PMS, cooling down, performing simple relaxation techniques, and trying positional therapy can help.[1,2,9]

Get some cool air

Cool air can help reduce the feeling of breathlessness and make breathing feel more comfortable.

Try the following:

• Sit near an open window.

• Use a handheld fan to blow cool air toward your face.

• Step outside briefly if the air feels fresh and pleasant.

The airflow can stimulate facial nerves that signal the brain to ease the sensation of breathlessness.

Practice deep breathing exercises

Deep breathing exercises help calm the nervous system and improve oxygen flow. It may help ease the feeling of not getting a full breath or mild chest tightness that some women experience before their period.[8]

You can consider the following breathing exercises: 

• Diaphragmatic breathing (5–20 mins): Place one hand on your chest and one on your stomach. Slowly inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, letting your stomach rise. Hold for 1–2 seconds. Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds. 

• Pursed lip breathing (8–10 breaths per session): Breathe slowly through your nose. Pucker your lips as if you are about to blow a candle and slowly exhale through your mouth. Your exhale should be twice as long as your inhale. So if you inhale for 2 seconds, you must exhale for 4 seconds. 

• Box breathing (5–6 breath cycles): Box breathing is a 4-4-4-4 count breath. Breathe through your nose for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 4 seconds, exhale through your nose or mouth for 4 seconds, and hold again for 4 seconds before repeating the cycle. 

Additional tips: 

• Sit comfortably on a chair or any flat surface. 

• You may lean forward slightly from your hips while performing the breathing exercises.

• While these exercises provide instant relief from shortness of breath, you can safely perform them everyday for a few minutes. 

Try positional therapy

Your body position can affect how easily your lungs expand. Certain positions can reduce pressure on the chest and make breathing easier.[8]

Helpful positions include:

• Sitting forward-leaning (tripod) position: Sit upright and lean your chest slightly forward. Keep both feet flat on the ground. Rest your forearms on your thighs or a table. 

• Standing wall-supported position: You can stand and lean against a wall with your shoulders relaxed. 

These positions help your breathing muscles work more efficiently, making it easier to breathe.

Perform relaxation techniques

Stress and anxiety can make breathing feel more difficult. Relaxation techniques help calm the mind and reduce physical tension in the chest and shoulders.[8,9]

You can try:

• Meditation: It involves focusing on the present moment, such as your breath, while sitting with the eyes closed in a relaxed position. 

• Chest-opening yoga poses or stretches 

• Yoga nidra: It involves lying down in Savasana, or corpse pose, and taking your attention to different parts of the body, promoting deep relaxation throughout the body. 

• Progressive muscle relaxation: It involves lying down on your back and tightening and relaxing specific muscles to release tension. 

Even 10–15 minutes of relaxation daily may help reduce breathing discomfort before your period.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Occasional mild breathing discomfort before your period may happen with PMS. However, sudden, persistent, or severe symptoms should always be checked by a doctor to rule out other conditions.

Seek medical care if: 

• Breathing discomfort does not improve with instant relief strategies like fanning yourself or breathing exercises. 

• Symptoms are persistent after periods or occur randomly at other times of the month. 

• Shortness of breath is accompanied by other red flag symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, fainting, bluish lips or fingers, wheezing, or persistent coughing. 

These signs may indicate another medical condition that needs prompt evaluation. 

Diagnosis and treatment

A doctor will usually begin with a medical history and physical examination. They may ask about your menstrual cycle, breathing symptoms, and any related PMS symptoms.

Depending on your symptoms, tests may include:

• Blood tests to check for anemia or other issues[3]

• Lung function tests

• Chest imaging in rare cases[4]

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. If PMS is contributing to breathing discomfort, doctors may recommend:

• Lifestyle changes such as stress management and regular exercise.

• Hormonal treatments or medications to help manage PMS symptoms.[6,7]

• Treatment of underlying conditions like iron deficiency anemia or asthma.[3]

The Bottom Line

Mild and temporary shortness of breath before your period can happen as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Hormonal changes during the luteal phase may affect breathing patterns and make you more aware of your breathing. In most cases, the symptom improves once your period begins. 

Simple measures like deep breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, posture adjustments, and cool air may help ease the discomfort. However, severe or persistent breathing problems should always be evaluated by a doctor.

FAQs on Premenstrual Respiratory Issues

Can hormonal changes cause shortness of breath?

Yes. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can affect breathing patterns and lung function. These changes may make some women feel short of breath before their period.

What may help prevent difficulty breathing before periods?

Managing PMS triggers may help. Helpful strategies include stress reduction, regular exercise, good sleep, deep breathing exercises, and maintaining balanced nutrition.

Are chest pain and shortness of breath before periods common premenstrual symptoms?

They are not among the most common PMS symptoms. If chest pain or significant shortness of breath occurs, it is important to consult a doctor to rule out other medical conditions.

Can heavy periods cause shortness of breath?

Yes. Heavy menstrual bleeding over time can lead to iron deficiency anemia. When iron levels are low, the body may not carry oxygen as efficiently, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.

Is shortness of breath before a period dangerous?

In most cases, mild breathing discomfort before a period is temporary and improves once menstruation begins. However, sudden, severe, or worsening breathlessness should always be evaluated by a doctor to rule out other conditions.

Image credits: Illustrations created by Leisha Chavan using AI tools for educational purposes.

References

1. Royal College of Physicians. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Accessed February 8, 2026

2. Arora D, Kaur P, Arora M, Gupta U. Influence of three phases of menstrual cycle on pulmonary functions. Indian J. Applied and Pure Bio. 2012;27(1):127-32.

3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Iron Deficiency Anemia. Accessed February 16, 2026.

4. Alifano M, Roth T, Broe SC, Schussler O, Magdeleinat P, Regnard JF. Catamenial pneumothorax: a prospective study. Chest. 2003 Sep 1;124(3):1004-8.

5. MSD Manual Consumer Version. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Accessed February 16, 2026 

6. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Accessed February 16, 2026 

7. Gudipally PR, Sharma GK. Premenstrual syndrome.

8. Banwal S, Siddiqui ZU. Effect of Pranayama on premenstrual syndrome in the present scenario. International Journal of Health Sciences. 2021(II):5987-99.

9. Kamalifard M, Yavari A, Asghari-Jafarabadi M, Ghaffarilaleh G, Kasb-Khah A. The effect of yoga on women’s premenstrual syndrome: A randomized controlled clinical trial. International Journal of Women's Health and Reproduction Sciences. 2017 Jul 1;5(3):205-11.

10. Nolan LN, Hughes L. Premenstrual exacerbation of mental health disorders: a systematic review of prospective studies. Archives of Women's Mental Health. 2022 Oct;25(5):831-52.

11. Pereira-Vega A, Sánchez JL, Gil FL, Maldonado JA, Bravo JM, Ignacio JM, Vázquez R, Álvarez F, Romero P, Sánchez I. Premenstrual asthma and symptoms related to premenstrual syndrome. Journal of Asthma. 2010 Oct 1;47(8):835-40.