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Risk Factors for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Risk Factors for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

A risk factor is something that raises the chances of getting a health problem. A woman can get PMS with or without the risk factors listed below. The chances are greater in women who have many risk factors.

PMS is more common in women of reproductive age and in women who are White.

Mental Health Factors

Women with a personal or family history of mental health problems are more likely to get PMS. Examples are depression and postpartum depression.

Obesity

Women who are overweight or obese are at higher risk of PMS.

Smoking

Smoking raises the risk of getting PMS.

Stress

PMS is more common in women who have had a stressful event happen in the past year.

Trauma

PMS is more common in women who have had physical, sexual, or emotional trauma.

References

  • Premenstrual syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/premenstrual-syndrome. Updated August 22, 2019. Accessed January 16, 2020.
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome-pms.html. Updated July 25, 2018. Accessed January 16, 2020.
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) fact sheet. Office on Women's Health website. Available at: http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/premenstrual-syndrome.html. Updated March 16, 2018. Accessed January 16, 2020.

Contributors

  • Elliot M. Levine, MD, FACOG
Last Updated:
2019-09-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.