There is not yet a clear picture of what causes PMS.  There are obvious links to the hormones produced by the body during the menstrual cycle.  Most women are affected by PMS at some level during the child-bearing years, but not all are affected in the same way or to the same degree.  Stress and emotional problems may make PMS worse in the same way that stress and tension make an ulcer worse, but they do not cause PMS.

The type of symptoms which you have, when they occur and the amount of effect they have on your life all play a part in the definitive diagnosis of PMS.  Premenstrual syndrome does not have a physical blood test or brain scan or something similar to make a quick diagnosis.

PMS is found in many, if not most cultures around the world.  It is estimated that about 4 out of 5 women during child-bearing years have some physical and emotional symptoms prior to their menstrual periods that are severe enough to impair activities of daily life.  In about 30% of women, the symptoms are severe enough that treatment is sought.  3-8% of women have very severe symptoms such as those associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

While there are a number of risk factors for PMS, no one factor can be pointed at with certainty as the cause of the syndrome. 

 

Age

PMS symptoms typically begin during the mid-20's but occasionally are also found in adolescents at a moderate to severe level.  Treatment usually doesn't begin until the woman reaches the mid 30s.  It is believed that PMS symptoms dwindle after age 35 and disappear with menopause, although over 6% of women have symptoms of PMDD between age 35 and 44.

 

Psychological Factors

It is believed that support psychologically can reduce PMS symptoms significantly, indicating emotional health plays a role in PMS.  Another study shows that women in the 36-44 age group who have major indications of depression are significantly more apt to have PMS.  With PMDD, major depression is very common.  Women who are characterized by Seasonal Affective Disorder also are more likely to suffer from PMDD.  There may be a genetic link between SAD, PMDD and PMS.

 

Cultural Factors

The woman's culture may affect her perception of the type of PMS symptoms and the severity of the symptoms.  Chinese women find that pain is the most significant PMS symptom while Western women are more likely to report depression.  Hispanic American women report the most severe symptoms, and Asian American women report fewer PMS symptoms.  Caucasian women fall somewhere in the middle.

 

Other Factors

Each of the following conditions or characteristics are associated with onset of PMS.  This doesn't mean a cause and effect relationship. 

• A mother who was diagnosed as having PMS

• A sedentary lifestyle

• Being sedentary

• Stress

• Diet high in sugar

• High caffeine consumption

• Large amounts of caffeine

• Abuse of alcohol

• More children