Causes Of Premenstrual Syndrome

The exact causes of premenstrual syndrome or PMS remain somewhat of a medical mystery as the symptoms can vary significantly in the type and severity among different women. While some women may not experience any symptoms of PMS, others will experience multiple symptoms that can range from mildly annoying to severe affecting their daily activities.

While scientists and researchers have not found any definitive answers to the exact cause, they believe it is a combination of the neurotransmitters or brain chemicals and the levels of the various sexual hormones.  It is also thought that certain lifestyle habits may be a significant factor in contributing to PMS such as smoking, consuming alcohol, and stress. 

The Physiological Factors that are suspected causes of PMS 

Medical experts believe that a fluctuation in the levels of sex hormones and pituitary hormones as well as prostaglandins, and certain neurotransmitters or brain chemicals play a significant role in the development of PMS.

However, studies have also shown that the levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, follicle-stimulating and pituitary hormones, are the same in women who experience PMS and women who do not. These findings have lead some experts to believe that ovulation is the "trigger" and not the cause of premenstrual syndrome. 

While progesterone supplements were once thought to be a beneficial form of treatment for PMS, they have been proven to be ineffective in reliving the symptoms. Recently, some research studies have found that a low level of magnesium could also be a significant contributing factor in the development of PMS.  

Some research studies also suggest that prostaglandins which are inflammatory substances produced in several areas of the body including the reproductive tract,  gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, brain, and breast, contribute to the symptoms of PMS including the, cramping, gas, diarrhea, constipation,  and breast tenderness. 

Lifestyle Factors that may play a Role in the Development of PMS 

Most medical experts agree that certain lifestyle factors can play a significant role in the severity of premenstrual syndrome. This belief is do to the fact that women who smoke, consume alcohol, rarely engage in physical activity, have poor dietary habits, and lead an overall stressful life, seem to have symptoms that are more severe than in women who lead healthier lifestyles.

It is also believed that some medications may affect the symptoms of PMS such as birth control pills that seem to cause more severe symptoms in some women; however, other women have experienced a relief from their symptoms of PMS when taking these oral contraceptives. 

Premenstrual Syndrome vs. Premenstrual Discomfort

There is a lot of controversy among medical experts as to what exactly differentiates premenstrual syndrome from premenstrual discomfort. This controversy is due to the fact that most women who are in their childbearing years experience mild to moderate symptoms associated with PMS while others experience more severe symptoms that significantly interfere with their routine daily activities. Therefore, some medical experts believe that only those who have the more severe symptoms that disrupt their daily lives meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis of PMS.