Premenstrual disorders: prevalence, etiology and impact
Winer, S.A.; Rapkin, A.J.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 51(4 Suppl): 339-347
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 16734317 Document Number: 602669
Millions of reproductive-age U.S. women experience premenstrual symptoms with varying degrees of severity. The large number and variety of premenstrual symptoms reported have made premenstrual disorders difficult to characterize. A number of mechanisms have been proposed to explain the etiology of premenstrual symptoms. Some women appear to have a genetic predisposition toward severe premenstrual symptoms or to have vulnerability traits that increase their risk. It has been suggested that 1 or more neurotransmitters and/or neurohormonal systems in certain women may have an abnormal response to normal fluctuations in gonadal hormones across the menstrual cycle. Premenstrual disorders can have a significant negative impact on a woman's quality of life and work productivity.