Causes of PMS

Experts say that the definitive cause of premenstrual syndrome has not yet been identified. However, they have identified some likely culprits. The first factor that may contribute to the symptoms of PMS is that many women are sensitive to the hormonal shifts in the second half of the menstrual cycle, much more than other women. Although these shifts are normal in each woman it appears that only some have a higher degree of sensitivity.

Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS as it is commonly known, is present only in women who have normal menstrual cycles. This means in women of childbearing age and not those who have passed menopause. It does not appear that outside stressors or emotional problems cause PMS but some physicians and researchers believe that these external stressors will make the condition worse.

Because the definitive cause has not been identified it is also difficult for physicians to identify a definitive test. Therefore, premenstrual syndrome is often a diagnosis of exclusion. This means that the symptoms which are common to premenstrual syndrome and other medical conditions must be identified and determined if they are a part of the premenstrual syndrome puzzle or not.

During the monthly cycle hormones produced and secreted by the ovaries reaches the highest level during the second and third week of the cycle. This increase in estrogen helps to prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy. Estrogen declines during the last week if no pregnancy has occurred. The last two weeks of the menstrual cycle is called the luteal phase. Both estrogen and progesterone help to prepare the womb to accept a fertilized egg and will also affect a woman\’s moods.

Unfortunately, there is some theory that the root cause of premenstrual syndrome could be the addition of chemicals called xenoestrogens in the diet. These are chemicals which mimic the action of estrogen on the body and can theoretically induce a more sensitized female. Within the last 10 years there have been the introduction of over 85,000 different chemicals in the United States. Some of those have been found, coincidentally, to have hormonal effects. The most common hormonal effect has been estrogen and some researchers now suspect that these xenoestrogen chemicals are at the root of premenstrual syndrome.

In a research study from Japan researchers found there was a significant difference in heart rate variability among women which suggested a critical role in the nervous system of patients who suffered from premenstrual syndrome. This study focused on involuntary processes such as the heart rate and respiration, also known as the autonomic nervous system. Researchers believe they found an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system of patients who suffered most severely from premenstrual syndrome. (1)

Researchers also believe that brain chemicals called neurotransmitters may also be involved in this complex condition. The neurotransmitters which may be at the forefront are serotonin, GABA, endorphins and norepinephrine. Other researchers also believe that imbalances in the calcium and magnesium levels of the body may trigger the symptoms because these minerals affects nerve cell communication.

While there is no definitive cause known for premenstrual syndrome scientists and researchers continue to search for answers in order to help relieve women of these symptoms that can be so severe they impact daily life and ability to be productive.

(1) BBC News: Nerve System Link to PMS Misery

RESOURCES

Womens Health.gov: Women\’s Premenstrual Fact Sheet

MayoClinic: Premenstrual Syndrome Causes

Calm Clinic: How Premenstrual Clinic Causes Anxiety

Massachusetts General Hospital: PMS and PMDD