Premenstrual Syndrome and Its Historical Perspective

Abstract

The reproductive years of many women are punctuated with distressing premenstrual symptoms that can disrupt their quality of life and relationships. Premenstrual Syndrome is a set of physical, emotional and behavioural symptoms that start during the week preceding menstruation and are alleviated when the menstrual flow begins. Its aetiology is yet not known, their prevalence varies widely across different cultural groups, and they appear to respond to placebos as effectively as to active preparations.  Epidemiological surveys have estimated that the frequency of PMS symptoms is about 80-90% with impairment of functioning. In 1953 the term Premenstrual Tension was coined, thereby commencing an extensive biomedical inquiry into the relationship between women's menstrual cycle and the occurrence of its symptoms. This paper describes the development of the concept of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) through centuries.