Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
What Increases Your Risk
Although the cause of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is poorly understood, a number of risk factors have been noted among women with PMS.
Risk factors for PMS that you cannot control include:
- A family history of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
- Age. PMS becomes increasingly common as women age through their 30s, and symptoms sometimes get worse over time.5
- Previous anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems. This is a significant risk factor for developing premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).4
Risk factors that you can control include:
- Lack of exercise.
- High stress.
- Vitamin B6, calcium, or magnesium deficiency.2
- High caffeine intake.
- Poor diet.
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| Author: | Sandy Jocoy, RN | Last Updated: June 19, 2008 |
| Medical Review: |
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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