Risk Factors for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of developing a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop
premenstrual syndrome
(PMS) with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing PMS. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.
PMS is most common in women between the ages of 25-40.
Women with
depression
are more likely to have PMS than those who do not have depression. Having a personality disorder may also increase a woman’s risk for developing PMS.
Stress is thought to play a role in the severity of PMS symptoms.
Low levels of certain vitamins and minerals (eg,
magnesium
,
manganese
,
vitamin E
) may increase a woman’s risk for developing PMS. Risk of PMS is also higher in women who eat a lot of salty foods. This can lead to fluid retention. A diet with a lot of simple sugars (eg, candy, sweet drinks), may cause mood changes and fatigue.
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice bulletin: premenstrual syndrome. ACOG. No. 15. April 2000.
Premenstrual syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/
. Updated June 14, 2012. Accessed August 20, 2012.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Family Doctor.org website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome-pms.html
. Updated August 2010. Accessed August 20, 2012.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) fact sheet. Women's Health.gov website. Available at:
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/premenstrual-syndrome.cfm
. Updated May 18, 2010. Accessed August 20, 2012.