Causes of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

The exact cause of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) isn't fully understood, butanumber of things may contribute to the symptoms.

Hormone changes

During your menstrual cycle, levels of hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone rise and fall. Hormone changes are thought to be the biggest contributing factor to many of the symptoms of PMS.

The fact that PMS improves during pregnancy and after the Testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) , and when hormone levels are stable, supports this theory.

Chemical changes in the brain

It's also been suggested that changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle may affect the levels of certain chemicals in your brain, such as serotonin.

Serotonin is known to help regulate your mood and make you feel happier, soa reductionin the level of serotonin caused by changes in hormone levels may explain the mood changes often associated with PMS.

It may also explain why a type of antidepressant medication that increases serotonin levels known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) helps some women with PMS.

Lifestyle factors

There are also a number of lifestyle factors that can increase your risk of PMS. These are outlined below.

Weight and exercise

Research has shown you're more likely to have PMS if you're obese (you have a body mass index of more than 30) and if you do little exercise.

While it's not a direct cause,stress can aggravate the symptoms of PMS.

For example, too much salty food may make you feel bloated.

Alcohol and caffeinated drinks can disrupt your mood and energy levels. Low levels of vitamins and minerals may also make your PMS symptoms worse.

.