The Effects of PMS on Women's Mental Health

“Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a combination of symptoms that many women experience about a week or two before their period” (OWH, 2021). PMS is relatively common, affecting up to 75 percent of women who have menstrual cycles (Casper, 2022). These women often report feeling a wide range of symptoms including cramping, headaches, tiredness, anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Of the women who receive treatment, about one half experience symptoms of depression during the two weeks leading up to their period (Tantry, 2019). With the prevalence of these symptoms, it is hard not to worry about the effect PMS has on women’s mental health.

Although the exact cause of PMS is unclear, some studies suggest that the rise and fall of hormone levels during a woman’s menstrual cycle may influence chemicals in the brain that affect mood (Casper, 2022). It is not known why symptoms vary in severity from woman to woman, but for some, the symptoms of PMS are so intense that they affect their ability to function at home, work and in social activities. Women experiencing symptoms this severe should speak to a medical care provider to determine if they are suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a chronic and much more severe form of PMS. Although women with PMDD and PMS experience similar physical and emotional symptoms, PMDD is a medical condition that can lead to depression and have a serious impact on a woman's life. Left untreated, PMDD can cause mood shifts and severe emotional distress, disrupting life at home and work. Additionally, it can also negatively affect and damage relationships, and in some cases, lead to suicidal thoughts.

So, what can women do to manage symptoms associated with PMS? Research shows that regular exercise, relaxation therapy, and vitamin and mineral therapy can reduce symptoms for some women. Both exercise and relaxation therapy are known to reduce tension, anxiety, depression, and the stress of daily life. Additionally, up to 100 mg of vitamin B6 each day may have a small benefit for women with mild PMS (Casper, 2022). To address cramps and pain, ibuprofen and other NSAIDS are also often used. For women suffering with severe symptoms of PMS and PMDD, the best treatment is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are highly effective and do not need to be taken every day, reducing possible side effects from the drug (Casper, 2022).

A majority of women will experience symptoms of PMS throughout their reproductive years, making education an important factor in diagnosis and management. Fortunately, there are a wide range of treatment options and support available to manage the effects of PMS and PMDD.

References

Casper, R. F., Synder, P.J., Martin, K.A. (2022, April). Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). UpToDate. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/premenstrual-syndrome-pms-and-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd-beyond-the-basics?search=menopause%20and%20Psychological%20distress&source=search_result&selectedTitle=3~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=3

Śliwerski, A., & Koszałkowska, K. (2021). The Influence of Depression on Biased Diagnosis of Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder by the PSST Inventory. Life (Basel, Switzerland), 11(11), 1278. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.3390/life11111278

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, February). Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). The Office of Women’s Health. Retrieved from https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome