Premenstrual Disorders Are Associated With Increased Risk Of Early Menopause, Study Finds

PMS is often considered "just a part of the process" of being a woman or a person who menstruates. However, more researchers and physicians are starting to speak up on the possible implications of PMS on women's health.

Researchers analyzed data from 3,635 women—1,120 of them with PMD symptoms—collected between 1991 and June 2017. 

The women with PMDs reached menopause an average of one year before those without PMDs (40.7 years old compared to 41.7 years old), with the age range of menopause onset beginning at 37.3 for those with PMDs and 38.3 for those without it. 

Researchers found that women with diagnosed PMDD had a greater risk of early menopause and more severe menopause symptoms as well. 

In addition, women with PMDs were more likely to use oral contraceptives. This makes sense, given that some people go on hormonal birth control in the hopes that it will help them manage PMS symptoms. 

Now PMDs aren't the only issues thought to possibly influence early menopause, so this finding could have some confounding factors. As the study reads, "Early natural menopause and bothersome vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are challenging issues during menopause transition. PMDs, early menopause, and VMS share risk factors (e.g., childhood abuse, earlier pubertal development, and smoking), suggesting common etiologies." 

While many people brush off PMS symptoms, studies like this remind us that keeping tabs on these symptoms and asking for help when they become severe is essential. 

"PMDs may be indicative of underlying physiology linked to early menopause and VMS, suggesting a phenotype observable during the reproductive years that may allow clinicians to target women at risk of earlier menopause and subsequent health risks later in the life course," researchers state.

It's equally critical for health care providers to take PMS symptoms seriously and consider working toward hormonal balance to address the root cause rather than just alleviating symptoms for the time being. 

In the same vein, it's worthwhile to consult your health care provider if your mode of birth control isn't working for you. If you're feeling negative physical or mental side effects, speak up—you're certainly not alone, and there are often other options available.