If you’re a woman, you probably already know the answer…
While my ovaries and uterus may beg to disagree, there’s been some chatter in reproductive circles lately about the legitimacy of PMS. As in, whether or not it’s an actual ‘thing’.
“Are you mad, woman?” I hear you shouting. “I’m not wearing elasticised trousers to gently cradle my bloated belly for fun.” And I hear you. On all counts, though I will jump to the defense of elasticised pants for comfort’s sake. But being the sometimes rational, always interested in science-y stuff kinda gal that I am, I thought we should check out exactly where this bold statement has arisen from before we shout it down with flaming pitchforks in hand.
But first, a short hormonal history lesson. Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS as everyone bar your GP refers to it as, was a term coined back in the 1950s by Brit doctor Katharina Dalton.
Dr Dalton, hero to any woman who’s ever kicked over an embarrassingly full rubbish bin in the throes of hormone-induced rage at a partner who’s neglected the job yet again (surely I’m not the only one?), observed a pattern in the behaviours of the women presenting to her clinic that synced up against their monthly cycle. And so our modern definition of PMS was born to describe the physical and psychological symptoms experienced by some women prior to the arrival of their period.
The advent of feminism in the 1970s cast a shadow over the concept of hormonal influences on women’s behaviour as women fought for gender equality and to be defined by more than their biology.
Today, however, we’ve reached a point where (hopefully) biology, psychology, personality and behaviour can all co-exist merrily together. Still, some stigma surrounding the validity of PMS remains, largely thanks to a recent study in Canada that concluded that there was a lack of clear evidence in support of a “specific premenstrual negative mood syndrome in the general population.” Tell that to the boil-sized pimple erupting on my chin and the half-eaten block of Cadbury Dairy Milk, I say.
Reading further into the study shows that while premenstrual issues may be slightly inflated, the ‘perimenstrual’ period (i.e. the days directly preceding the arrival of your period plus the first few days of it arriving) is an ‘actual thing’ and this makes a lot of sense.
Research has shown just what a powerful influence hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone have on our brains. With these levels peaking right before and in the early days of your period, it’s not hard to rationalise that this can impact our mood in a variety of different ways. It’s well documented that migraines and epilepsy can become worse directly before or at the onset of our period, so why not our moods?
Yes, it can be very tempting to blame PMS for everything from stomach crushing cramps (valid) to smudging your DIY pedi (not so valid) and this doesn’t do us any favours. But by combining our understanding of our own emotional well-being above and beyond our hormones with the knowledge of how our hormones can impact various parts of our physical and mental health, we create a bigger picture which can help us feel our absolute best all month long.
Except when you realise after a heinously long and difficult day at work that the last half of the Cadbury has mysteriously disappeared and you’re left with raw mixed nuts for dessert…
Nothing can really temper that blow.
Do you ever have PMS? How do you manage it?
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Top Comments
The physical symptoms I can deal with - it's the slow demise of my mental well being over 3 weeks leading up to it that is miserable to bear, I get one or two days of euphoria (which feels like this ridiculous artificial happy), followed by 5 days of normal and then the slide begins again. Luckily I have a good GP who gets it. Funnily enough it has been male gps who have taken it more seriously, even my old family doctor when I was a teenager who made it easy to discuss - but the female GPs, unfortunately the ones I've seen have been not much help. Has anyone else found this?
Hi Suzan, I am exactly like you are each month and i am really worried how it is effecting my children. Just wonder what you have told your GP and how it has helped you with your PMS.
Hi Peta, when I was a teenager I would describe to my GP that I 'wanted to bite the head off a chicken,' to explain the level of tension and anxiety that was felt - he never laughed at that, and was both understanding and pro-active ( oral contraceptive low dose helped). My current GP shares with me latest research in this area, and with a history of mental illness in my family, assures me these symptons are harmonal related and not a sign of something more serious (this in itself is a relief to know as mental health has had tragic outcomes to my loved ones). A time of uninterrupted oral contraceptive was helpful, plus a doctor who has never dismissed or taken my symptons or concerns lightly. He never says 'just hormonal' or as they used to tell young women in my mums day 'once you have a baby it will sort itself out'. I hope your Gp is the same, and you have the support needed.
I wonder if there's a link between those who start their period early, I was 10, and severe PMS. I'm a side sleeper and for the two days pre period and the five days during I have to sleep on my back as my breasts are so tender it's excruciating to let them touch the mattress. I also suffer migraines, vomiting and horrendous stomach and back cramps. having a child has only made things worse, not better as happens for many women. Yet I still look after my daughter, take care of the house, cook the dinner and work part time from home. There's little rest and a day off is non existent. To all the other women battling through I hear you, loud and clear!
I got my period at 8...I get no PMS (other than a little more teary over sad things), I don't have any pain and I'm blessed with a two day period. I think it's just a totally individual thing for each woman. However I do get mild ovulation pain.