Challenging PMS Assumptions
The PMS Myth: Scientific Evidence Contradicts Common Assumptions
Have you ever heard of PMS? Most of us have. It’s a common assumption that women go a little crazy before getting their period and that hormonal fluctuations cause extreme emotions. But let me tell you, scientific evidence shows that neither of those assumptions is true.
As a psychologist, I’ve spent years researching PMS and its impact on women’s mental and physical health. What I’ve found is that the idea of PMS is so deeply entrenched in American culture that it’s nearly impossible to escape. If you look at magazines, for example, you’ll see that it’s widely assumed that everyone experiences PMS. But after five decades of research, there’s still no strong consensus on the definition, cause, treatment, or even the existence of PMS.
One of the challenges in studying PMS is the sheer number of symptoms associated with it. Over 150 different symptoms have been used to diagnose PMS, including negative behavioral, cognitive, and physical symptoms from the time of ovulation to menstruation. But with such a vague definition, the label of PMS eventually becomes meaningless. If you look at the list of symptoms, you could argue that just about anyone could have PMS.
The lack of standardization in the definition of PMS also makes it difficult to report prevalence rates accurately. Some studies have estimated that only 5% of women experience PMS, while others claim that as many as 97% of women experience it. With such a wide range, it’s hard to know who to believe.
But things have changed in recent years. In 1994, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) redefined PMS as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). According to the DSM, in most menstrual cycles in the last year, at least five of 11 possible symptoms must appear in the week before menstruation starts, including marked mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression. The symptoms must improve once menstruation has begun and be absent the week after menstruation has ended. And one of these symptoms must come from a list of four, including marked mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression. The DSM also requires that symptoms should be associated with clinically significant distress and that symptom severity should be documented by keeping a daily log for at least two cycles in a row.
Using this criteria and looking at most recent studies, we see that on average, only 3 to 8 percent of women suffer from PMDD. This means that the majority of women don’t have a mental disorder related to their menstrual cycle. Rather than blaming hormonal fluctuations for emotional ups and downs, we need to recognize that there are many other factors that can impact our moods.
So let’s bust the myth of PMS and hug the reality of high emotional and professional functioning that the majority of women live every day. We know that the emotions and moods of men and women are more similar than different. And by understanding the source of our negative emotions, we can take action to change them and improve our overall wellbeing.
Why the PMS Myth Persists Despite Lack of Strong Consensus
Many of us have heard about premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its supposed ability to turn women into “crazy” and “irrational” beings. But did you know that there is little to no scientific consensus on the existence, cause, or treatment of PMS? Despite the lack of evidence, why does the PMS myth persist?
One reason is the widespread assumption of PMS in American culture. Many magazine and newspaper articles claim that 80 to 90 percent of women suffer from PMS. However, after five decades of research, there is no strong consensus on the definition, cause, or existence of PMS.
Another reason is the narrow boundaries of the feminine role. According to feminist psychologists, PMS allows women to express emotions that would otherwise be considered “unladylike”. The universal definition of a “good woman” is someone who is happy, loving, caring, and takes great satisfaction from those roles. PMS becomes a permission slip to be angry or complain without losing the title of a “good woman”. However, this can be a double-edged sword, as it invalidates women’s emotions and limits their ability to effect change.
Additionally, treating PMS has become a profitable and thriving industry. Amazon currently offers over 1,900 books on PMS treatment, and a quick Google search brings up a plethora of clinics, workshops, and seminars. Pharmaceutical companies profit when women are convinced to take prescribed medication for all of their child-bearing lives.
Despite the lucrative industry surrounding PMS, perpetuating the myth has serious adverse consequences for women. First, it contributes to the medicalization of women’s reproductive health, which has come at many costs, including excessive Cesarean deliveries, hysterectomies, and prescribed hormone treatments that have harmed rather than enhanced women’s health. Second, the PMS myth also contributes to the stereotype of women as irrational and overemotional.
It’s time to hug the reality that while some women get some symptoms because of the menstrual cycle, the majority don’t get a mental disorder. The emotions and moods of men and women are more similar than different. Sweeping emotions under the rug of PMS keeps women from understanding the source of their negative emotions and takes away the opportunity to take action to change them. Let’s walk away from the tired old PMS myth of women as witches and hug the reality of high emotional and professional functioning the great majority of women live every day.
From PMS to PMDD: The Evolution of PMS Diagnosis in the DSM
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a handbook for mental health professionals that provides standard criteria for the diagnosis of mental disorders. In 1994, the DSM redefined PMS as PMDD, or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, which refers to a feeling of agitation or unease. The new guidelines require that at least five of 11 possible symptoms must appear in the week before menstruation starts, and one of these symptoms must come from a list of four: marked mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression. The other symptoms could come from a list of over 150 possible symptoms, including feeling out of control, changes in sleep or appetite, and others. The DSM also requires that the symptoms must improve once menstruation has begun and must be absent the week after menstruation has ended.
To be diagnosed with PMDD, a woman must have the symptoms associated with the disorder for most menstrual cycles in the last year. In addition, the symptoms should be associated with clinically significant distress, and symptom severity should be documented by keeping a daily log for at least two cycles in a row. The emotional disturbance should also be more than simply an exacerbation of an already existing disorder. Overall, these new guidelines are more specific and limiting, but also more reliable for diagnosing PMDD.
Using this new criteria and looking at the most recent studies, it’s been found that on average, only three to eight percent of women suffer from PMDD. This is a significant reduction compared to previous estimates of PMS prevalence, which ranged from five to 97 percent of women, depending on the study. The weaknesses in the methods of research on PMS have been considerable, as many studies asked women to report their symptoms retrospectively, looking to the past and relying on memory, which is known to inflate reporting of PMS compared to what’s called prospective reporting, which involves keeping a daily log of symptoms for at least two months in a row.
The redefinition of PMS as PMDD is an improvement scientifically, as it provides a limited number of symptoms, and a high impact on functioning is required. The reporting and timing of symptoms have both become very specific, and this has helped to reduce the number of women diagnosed with PMS. However, the persistence of the PMS myth continues to affect the lives of many women, and it is important to continue to challenge this myth with scientific evidence.
The Financial Benefit of Perpetuating the PMS Myth
The persistence of the PMS myth in popular culture has been lucrative for some. Medical professionals and pharmaceutical companies have made a considerable profit from treating PMS, despite the lack of strong evidence supporting its existence as a widespread disorder. There are over 1,900 books on PMS treatments available on Amazon.com, and numerous clinics, workshops, and seminars offering treatments for PMS. Even reputable medical information sources like WebMD and the Mayo Clinic list PMS as a known disorder, along with medications like antidepressants and hormones that physicians prescribe to treat it. However, both websites state that the success of medication in treating PMS symptoms varies from woman to woman, which raises questions about the validity of the diagnosis.
Pharmaceutical companies stand to benefit significantly when women are convinced to take prescribed medication for their entire child-bearing lives. Over-the-counter drugs like Midol even claim to treat PMS symptoms like tension and irritability, even though they only contain a diuretic, a pain reliever, and caffeine. Midol has marketed a Teen Midol for adolescents, perpetuating the myth among young girls that everyone gets PMS and that it turns them into monsters. In 2013 alone, Midol took in $48 million in sales revenue.
The medicalization of women’s reproductive health has come at a cost, including excessive Cesarean deliveries, hysterectomies, and prescribed hormone treatments that have harmed rather than enhanced women’s health. The PMS myth also contributes to the stereotype of women as irrational and overemotional, which can limit their ability to be taken seriously or effect change. Rather than attributing negative emotions to PMS, it is important to recognize the actual issues that are causing them, including quality of relationship or work conditions, and societal issues like racism, sexism, or poverty.
The Risks of Medicalizing Women’s Reproductive Health
Medicalizing women’s reproductive health can have adverse consequences. When we classify certain natural bodily functions as medical problems, we inadvertently create stigma around them. Women may begin to feel ashamed or abnormal for experiencing menstrual symptoms. Additionally, medicalizing women’s health can lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment, which can harm patients and result in unnecessary medical costs.
In the case of PMS, medicalization has led to the development of pharmaceutical treatments that may not be effective or safe. Instead of addressing underlying lifestyle or environmental factors that may be contributing to PMS symptoms, women are often encouraged to take medications. Furthermore, some pharmaceutical companies may have a financial interest in perpetuating the idea that PMS is a medical problem in order to sell their products.
It is important to acknowledge that reproductive health is a normal and natural part of life, and that experiencing menstrual symptoms is not abnormal. Instead of medicalizing these experiences, we should focus on promoting education, healthy lifestyle habits, and supportive environments for women. By doing so, we can reduce the stigma and negative consequences associated with menstrual health, and enable women to take charge of their own health and well-being.
PMS and the Stereotype of Women as Irrational and Overemotional
For many years, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has been associated with the stereotype of women as irrational and overemotional. This stereotype, in turn, has perpetuated the myth that PMS is not a real medical condition, but rather a product of women’s emotional and hormonal instability.
However, scientific evidence shows that PMS is a legitimate medical condition that affects up to 75% of menstruating women. It is characterized by a range of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days or weeks leading up to menstruation, including bloating, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and depression.
Despite this evidence, the stereotype of women as irrational and overemotional persists, which has harmful effects on women’s lives. Women who experience PMS may be dismissed or stigmatized for their symptoms, and may face discrimination in the workplace or in personal relationships.
It is important to recognize that PMS is a real medical condition that deserves to be taken seriously. By challenging the stereotype of women as irrational and overemotional, we can work towards creating a more equitable and understanding society for all.
The Truth about Mood Swings: Men and Women Aren’t So Different After All
It’s a commonly held belief that mood swings are a characteristic of PMS and something that only affects women. However, scientific research has shown that men experience similar fluctuations in mood, which indicates that hormonal changes may not be the only factor involved.
In fact, both men and women experience changes in mood due to factors such as stress, lack of sleep, and changes in diet or exercise habits. Moreover, men’s testosterone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, which can cause shifts in mood and energy levels.
While women may experience more pronounced hormonal changes due to their menstrual cycle, it’s important to recognize that mood swings are not exclusively a female problem. By acknowledging this, we can break down harmful stereotypes and encourage open conversations about mental health for all genders.
It’s important to note that if mood swings are causing significant distress or impairment in daily life, seeking professional help from a healthcare provider is always recommended.
Sweeping Emotions Under the Rug of PMS: The Importance of Dealing with the Source of Negative Emotions
As women, we have all experienced a time when we have been told to “just deal with” the emotional rollercoaster that comes with PMS. But what if we told you that ignoring those emotions could be detrimental to your mental health?
It’s important to recognize that PMS is not the sole cause of negative emotions, and it’s not healthy to use it as an excuse to ignore deeper emotional issues. In fact, sweeping emotions under the rug can lead to a cycle of repressed feelings, causing them to build up and become more difficult to manage over time.
Instead, it’s crucial to deal with the source of negative emotions, whether that be through therapy, mindfulness, or simply taking the time to process and acknowledge your feelings. By doing so, you can improve your mental health and overall well-being, rather than just trying to suppress your emotions until the next cycle.
So, the next time you feel like your PMS is causing you to struggle with negative emotions, take a step back and consider if there may be a deeper issue at play. Don’t just try to push those feelings aside, but rather, take the time to address and manage them in a healthy way. Your mental health will thank you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the PMS myth persists despite lack of scientific evidence, and has adverse consequences for women’s health, social stigma, and financial benefit. The evolution of PMS diagnosis in the DSM reflects changing cultural attitudes towards women’s reproductive health, but has also perpetuated the stereotype of women as irrational and overemotional. It is important to recognize that mood swings are a normal part of the human experience, and not limited to women during their menstrual cycle. Dealing with the source of negative emotions, rather than sweeping them under the rug of PMS, is crucial for overall well-being. By understanding and challenging the PMS myth, we can work towards greater gender equality in healthcare and beyond.
