PMS Risk Factors

The bad news is that medical researchers and experts are still unsuccessful finding the exact cause of premenstrual syndrome. The good news, nevertheless, is that certain risk factors have been identified that have been connected with premenstrual syndrome. A lot of these risk factors entail specific certain lifestyle habits. Knowing what these risk factors are can aid women in substantially reducing or even eliminating their PMS symptoms.

Cultural Factors and Age Associated with Premenstrual Syndrome

Research regarding the perceptions of PMS among different cultural backgrounds has shown that Asian women often report of PMS symptoms that are painful compared to Western European women (including the US) who have, on the other hand, complained that the hardest part of their PMS symptoms is the feeling of depression.

Women of Hispanic lineage are the ones that often experience the most severe forms of PMS symptoms as opposed to Asian women who report of the least and fewest kinds of PMS symptoms. Caucasian females complain of diverse symptoms ranging from light to severe falling somewhere along the middle of all cultures.

Usually women start to experience premenstrual syndrome symptoms around their mid 20’s. Most, however only get treatment for their symptoms until they reach their mid 30’s. A few research studies have been done on adolescent girls regarding PMS. These research show that there are some adolescent girls who also have undergone PMS symptoms that are mild to moderate.

Other studies indicate the PMS tends to taper off when females reach the age of 35; however, around 6% of females around the ages of 35 to 44 instead tend to suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD which is a more severe type of PMS.

Psychological and Lifestyle Factors

We all know stress is a contributing factor to a lot of human diseases and it therefore comes as no surprise that it is considered a risk factor for experiencing more severe forms of PMS and PMDD symptoms. Most medical experts recommend the elimination or at least reduction of stress around the around the premenstrual cycle to avoid severe PMS symptoms. Depression in women can make them susceptible in developing PMS or cause them to experience severe symptoms of PMS.

Women who lead stressful lives are significantly susceptible to experiencing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Women who also smoke or often consume alcohol are more at risk to experience more severe forms of PMS symptoms compared to women who don’t drink alcohol or smoke.  Women taking in large amounts of caffeine or sugar are also prime candidates for experiencing the more severe symptoms of PMS.

Studies have also indicated that PMS will likely be experienced by women whose biological mother has had premenstrual syndrome. Also a woman who had multiple pregnancies has also an increased likelihood of experiencing more severe forms of PMS symptoms.

Christina Prieto is an Orlando acupuncturist, a certified Yoga instructor and the founder of Harmony Wellness center in central Florida.