Most women who are not ready for a pregnancy at a particular moment, always find themselves spiralling at the thought of experiencing even the slightest symptom that could resemble one—sore breasts, nausea, or fatigue. Defenses go up, and women end up overanalyze every ache and shift, fearing the unexpected, despite knowing it could just be PMS.

Hormonal fluctuations play a critical role in the way our bodies function, influencing everything from mood to metabolism. For many women, the days leading up to their menstrual period come with a host of physical and emotional symptoms collectively known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, these very same symptoms can also indicate early pregnancy, leading to confusion and uncertainty. If you’ve ever wondered whether your bloating, mood swings, or breast tenderness signal the arrival of your period or a potential pregnancy, you’re not alone.

While a missed period is often the most definitive early sign of pregnancy, there are several overlapping symptoms that can make it difficult to distinguish between PMS and early pregnancy. Below, we take a closer look at eight symptoms that may seem like PMS but could also be indicative of pregnancy.

1. Breast Tenderness and Swelling

Both PMS and early pregnancy may cause breast tenderness due to increased levels of estrogen and progesterone. However, during pregnancy, breast pain may feel more pronounced and persistent, outlasting the anticipated onset of menstruation. Also, the areolas may darken, a phenomenon that is not seen in PMS.

2. Fatigue and Low Energy

Feeling too tired? Tiredness is one of the most common PMS symptoms, but it can also be an early and one of the most common signs of pregnancy. The body increases its production of progesterone in early pregnancy, which can lead to persistent tiredness. While PMS causes a person to feel tired, the tiredness associated with pregnancy is more extreme and does not subside with time.

3. Mood Swings and Emotional Sensitivity

PMS has long been notorious for mood swings, irritability, and an increase in sensitiveness. Equally, in pregnancy, a lot of hormone surges result in mood swing. However, mood swings experienced during pregnancy often last longer and are more pronounced and are characteristically accompanied by feelings of strong emotions or anxiety.

Also Read: Do Men Experience Pregnancy Symptoms Too? Know About The Couvade Syndrome

4. Abdominal Cramping

Mild cramping is one of the common symptoms of PMS, but it may also happen during early pregnancy as caused by implantation. Implantation cramping is caused when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. This happens between 6-12 days after ovulation. Unlike menstrual cramps, which become more severe as the period gets close, implantation cramps are usually minimal and temporary.

5. Bloating and Digestive Discomfort

Classic symptoms of PMS are bloating caused by fluctuations in hormones which make the individual retain water, while early pregnancy is also due to increased progesterone causing delayed digestion that produces gas accumulation. Pregnancy-induced bloating could, however persist for a more extended period compared to PMS where it could fade away at the onset of menstruation.

6. Alterations in Food Intake and Cravings

Both PMS and early pregnancy can cause cravings or aversions to odd foods. However, the urges often are much stronger and more selective when pregnant, and the aversion may escalate into nausea and even morning sickness. Another symptom unique to pregnancy, which is rarely experienced with PMS, is increased sensitivity to odors.

7. Urine Pressure

An increased urge to urinate is not a common symptom of PMS, but it is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. This happens because, after implantation, the body begins producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that increases blood flow to the kidneys, thus making a person go to the bathroom more often. If you experience a sudden and unexplained increase in urination without other symptoms of a urinary tract infection, pregnancy might be a possibility.

8. Light Spotting or Implantation Bleeding

Perhaps the most distinguishable feature of early pregnancy is that of implantation bleeding. This is the process of the fertilized egg attaching to the uterine lining. This sometimes results in light pink or brown spotting that's mistaken for a period. Unlike menstrual bleeding, which can be quite heavy and lasts for several days, an implantation bleed is usually very light and temporary.

If in Doubt, When Should You Take A Pregnancy Test?

If you are experiencing these symptoms and suspect pregnancy, the best way to confirm is by taking a pregnancy test. The "two-week wait" refers to the period between ovulation and when enough hCG has built up in your system to register on a test. Home pregnancy tests are highly accurate when taken after a missed period, though testing too early may lead to false negatives.

When to Consult a Doctor?

If you have symptoms that last longer than your typical PMS cycle or are different from what you have experienced before, such as intense cramping, prolonged spotting, or extreme fatigue, you should see a doctor. A blood test is much more sensitive to pregnancy than a home test, and a doctor can help eliminate other causes for your symptoms.

While there is significant overlap between PMS and early pregnancy symptoms, subtle differences can help distinguish between the two. Understanding your body's patterns and tracking your symptoms can provide clarity, but when in doubt, a pregnancy test or consultation with a medical professional remains the most reliable method for determining whether you are pregnant.

Bob Harris, the renowned BBC Radio 2 host, has informed his listeners of being hospitalized again for prostate cancer treatment.

Posting on social media platform Instagram, Harris said he is receiving treatment for an issue that has developed over the past few weeks.

“As many of you know, I suffer from prostate cancer, and every now and again I experience setbacks that need attention. Now is one of these moments,” he wrote, along with a picture of himself lying in a hospital bed while smiling for the camera.

Harris noted that he’s taking short break away from his programs. However, he confirmed that this week’s Country Show is scheduled as planned, and his Sounds of the 70’s episode on 12th April will feature an 80th birthday celebration special he recorded before attending the C2C Festival with Zoe Ball.

Noting that he can’t state the day of his return as the host, he said: “I know that I will come back… and come back stronger”.

“I hate missing programs and I am keen to get back into the studio as soon as I can”.

Calling himself “blessed” for the support he received from friends and family and listeners of his show, Harris said that during his absence, Darius Rucker will guest on Country, while Shaun Keaveny will cover Sounds of the 70’s for a few weeks.

"I am so blessed to have the love of my family and the support of my friends who have rallied round me at what has proved to be an unexpectedly testing time,” Harris said.

Prostate Cancer: The UK’s Most Common Male Cancer

Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer among men in the UK, with around 55,000 cases diagnosed every year. Despite this, there is currently no national screening program because of concerns over the accuracy of PSA tests.

In November 2025, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis and also called for a targeted screening.

Also read: Joe Biden Is Diagnosed With Aggressive Prostate Cancer: All That You Need To Know

In an interview with Times, he said, "You always hope for the best. You have a high PSA score - that is probably nothing. You have an MRI scan with a few black marks on it. You think, ‘Ah, that’s probably OK.’ But when the biopsy comes back, and it says you have got prostate cancer. You always dread hearing those words. And then literally as they’re coming out of the doctor’s mouth you’re thinking, ‘Oh, no, he’s going to say it. He’s going to say it. Oh God, he said it.’"

The former PM, said that he had a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for the screening that looks for proteins associated with the form of the disease. His result was high, and a biopsy after that revealed his cancer.

In October 2024, six-time Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy revealed he had been diagnosed with terminal stage 4 cancer. His prostate cancer had spread to his shoulder, pelvis, hips, ribs and spine.

A woman’s health check-up is not about being paranoid. It's about refusing to treat your body as an afterthought.

You may not be able to control every diagnosis you ever get. But you can control how late you meet it. That's what preventive care is all about. Early detection through these screenings helps manage hormonal changes, cancer risks, and metabolic health.

From routine blood tests to specialized screenings, Dr. Supriya Bali, Director, Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, spoke to HealthandMe on specific tests crucial for women, right from their 20s

In Your 20s: Laying A Strong Foundation

Your 20s are all about establishing healthy habits that will carry you through life. Even if you feel great, this is a crucial time to get in the habit of seeing your doctor regularly.

Recommended screening includes:

• Blood pressure check – Every 1-2 years if normal; more often if elevated
• Pap smear – Start at age 21 (or by age 25 if you’ve never been sexually active); every three years if results are normal
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening – Annually for sexually active women under 25
• HPV vaccine – If not already completed by 26
• Skin check – Monitor moles and sun damage, especially if you tan easily
• Mental health screening – Don’t ignore stress, anxiety, or depression

In Your 30s: Reproductive And Preventive Health In Focus

As the body begins to undergo subtle changes in the 30s, regular screenings, hormonal health checks, and lifestyle adjustments are increasingly important.

Recommended screenings in 30s include:

• Pap + HPV co-test – Every 5 years starting at 30 (or Pap every 3 years)
• STI screening – Based on risk factors and symptoms
• Blood pressure and cholesterol check – Especially if you have a family history
• Blood sugar test – Especially if you’re planning a pregnancy or have had gestational diabetes
• Breast exam – Regular self-monitoring and breast ultrasound if you suspect a lump.
• Mental health and sleep – Ongoing check-ins with your doctor
• Fertility discussions – If you're planning or delaying pregnancy

Also read: 'Husband Stitch': A Medical Necessity Or Just A Tool To Objectify Women's Bodies?

In Your 40s: Monitoring Long-Term Risk Factors

This is a time when early signs of chronic conditions may start to show up, especially if there’s a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or cancer.

You should get these screenings at certain times:

• Mammography screening: Begin at 40 years of age (earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer).
• Pap smear & HPV test: Pap and HPV every 5 years or Pap alone every 3 years.
• Cholesterol & Blood Pressure Testing: Every 1-2 years.
• Blood glucose test (diabetes screening): especially if you're overweight or at risk for diabetes.
• Thyroid function testing is optional—especially if you feel tired, cold, or have been losing weight or have changes in your bowel habits.
• Weight discussions regarding healthy nutrition and active lifestyle—assist with maintaining a healthy weight.
• Perimenopause begins in your 40's; if you experience mood swings or changes in sleep, hot flashes, or irregular cycles, please speak with your doctor.

Also read: What Your Mammogram Says About Your Heart?

In Your 50’s: Maintain Strength, Stay Ahead of Aging

Maintaining your strength, the ability to prevent illness/disease from affecting you, and remaining proactive against the challenges that arise due to aging will be your focus at this stage.

Every individual will have their own unique series of recommended screenings; however, everyone will benefit from some type of recommended screening.

Some commonly recommended screenings include:

• Mammogram screening program; every 1-2 years.
• Colorectal cancer screening, beginning at age 45 through age 75.
• Bone density scan-if at high risk.
• Hearing/Vision checks annually or as required (on an as-needed basis).
• Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screening every year.
• Lung cancer screening among those with a history of smoking.
• Vaccines--including shingles, pneumonia, flu, and COVID-19 booster.
• Cognitive screening - to discover memory concerns, changes in mental sharpness, or cognitive function.

Vapes were marketed as a safer option than cigarettes, but research now shows they carry serious health risks -- from lung damage to meningitis to cancer.

Vaping has been a serious concern in the United States, with New York Attorney General Letitia James in 2025 filing a lawsuit against e-cigarette manufacturers and distributors.

The lawsuit accused the companies of fueling a youth vaping crisis, alleging that these companies that manufacture vapes, especially with flavors, have misled consumers about the safety of their products while deliberately targeting young people through deceptive marketing.

Now, a new study, published in JAMA Network Open, has for the first time assessed trends in young children's nicotine exposures across all types of products.

Shockingly, electronic cigarette-related incidents increased 243 percent over the past eight years in young children, especially among those under five years of age, said researchers from the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

In contrast, tobacco exposures from conventional products such as cigarettes decreased by 43 percent.

Unlike cigarettes, these devices are often ready to use, brightly colored, require little effort to activate, and appear more like toys than a harmful product.

"This significant spike in children breathing in these substances tells us the risk has changed: It's no longer just about a toddler swallowing something they found on the floor," said lead author Perry Rosen, who conducted the research at the New Jersey Poison Control Center.

"Many recent cases involve children actively using e-cigarette devices after gaining access to them," Rosen added.

Key Findings

The findings were based on an analysis of more than 92,000 reported nicotine exposures in children ages 5 and younger between 2016 and 2023.

The researchers noted that vaping risks often involved children who inhaled the vapors directly from the devices. They also found that children exposed to e-cigarettes were more likely to require a visit to a health care facility compared with those exposed to cigarettes.

According to researchers, young children naturally mimic the behaviors they see around them. So, parents and caregivers must keep vaping devices away from the reach of young children.

Previous research has shown that even moderate ongoing nicotine exposure can lead to lasting health effects on developing lungs, including increased risk of bronchitis and worsening asthma.

"When children see caregivers or older family members vaping, they may copy that behavior—bringing the device to their mouth and inhaling—without any understanding they are exposing themselves to a harmful substance," said Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center.

Vaping: A Concern

Vaping has become a more common form of tobacco use among American middle and high school students.

As per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1.6 million students used e-cigarettes in 2024, with 87.6 percent of them opting for a flavored product.

It is the flavor that makes it even more addictive, and people want to keep smoking it, resulting in it being emptied and refilled way more quickly.

This means those who smoke flavored cigarettes consume more tobacco than those who smoke unflavored ones.