Premenstrual Syndrome - Diagnosis

Risk Factors

About 40 - 80% of women in their reproductive years experience some of the emotional and physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).. Between 3 - 8% of women report very severe symptoms, notably premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). A number of factors may put a woman at higher risk for PMS.

Age

PMS usually occurs in women who are in their late 20s to early 40s. Symptoms usually begin when a woman is in her mid-twenties. Naturally, PMS and any manifestation of it end at menopause.

Family History

A woman whose mother had PMS is more likely to have PMS herself.

Psychologic Factors

Women with past or current mood or anxiety disorders, including depression, may be at increased risk for PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). A history of postpartum depression is a risk factor,as is history of alcohol abuse.

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Other Factors Associated with PMS

Studies have found some factors associated with a higher risk for PMS or more severe symptoms, (although the evidence behind these claims is not very strong):

• Earlier age of puberty
• Stress
• Higher body mass index (BMI)
• Consumption of large amounts of caffeine

Review Date: 07/26/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).