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).
• Vitamin B6, calcium, or magnesium deficiency.²
• Age. PMS becomes increasingly common as women age through their 30s, and symptoms sometimes get worse over time.⁶
• Previous anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems. This is a significant risk factor for developing premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).⁵

Risk factors that you can control include:

• Lack of exercise.
• High stress.
• High caffeine intake.
• Poor diet.

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Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW	Last Updated: July 7, 2006
Medical Review:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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