Monthly issue affecting thousands of women tied to higher heart attack and stroke risk

Women with Severe Premenstrual Syndrome Face Increased Risk of Stroke and Heart Problems

A growing body of research highlights a concerning link between severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart arrhythmias. This discovery underscores the importance of understanding how hormonal fluctuations and other factors associated with PMS may impact long-term health outcomes.

Understanding the Risks

According to a major study conducted by researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, women diagnosed with PMS are 10% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease compared to those without the condition. When breaking down the data, the findings reveal even more alarming trends: these women face a 27% higher risk of stroke and a 31% greater chance of developing a heart arrhythmia.

An arrhythmia refers to irregularities in the heart’s rhythm, which can lead to serious complications such as heart attacks. The study analyzed 22 years of health data from nearly 100,000 women with PMS and compared their outcomes with those of the general population and their sisters who did not have the condition. Despite accounting for known risk factors like obesity and smoking, the association between PMS and cardiovascular issues remained strong.

Key Findings and Implications

The research identified that certain groups of women were particularly vulnerable. Yihui Yang, a researcher involved in the study, noted that the risk was especially pronounced among women diagnosed before the age of 25 and those who had also experienced postnatal depression. Both conditions are linked to hormonal changes, suggesting a potential biological mechanism connecting PMS to heart health.

While the exact cause of this increased risk remains unclear, scientists hypothesize that the hormonal fluctuations characteristic of PMS might disrupt systems regulating blood pressure, inflammation, and energy metabolism. Further research is needed to explore these connections and identify potential interventions.

Prevalence and Treatment of PMS

Estimates of the prevalence of clinically significant PMS vary widely. Some studies suggest it affects one in 20 women, while others estimate it could be as high as one in three. Medics argue that if PMS significantly impacts a woman’s physical, psychological, social, and economic well-being, it should be recognized as a medical condition requiring diagnosis and treatment.

However, many women do not seek help. British experts report that only between one in four and one in two women with clinically significant PMS consult a healthcare professional. This gap in care highlights the need for greater awareness and support for those affected.

Symptoms and Management

PMS encompasses a range of physical and emotional symptoms that typically occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle—between ovulation and menstruation. Common symptoms include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, bloating, cramping, headaches, breast tenderness, and changes in appetite.

For mild cases, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, yoga, meditation, and reducing alcohol and tobacco use are often recommended. If these measures are insufficient, medical options like cognitive behavioral therapy, hormone-based medications, or antidepressants may be considered.

A more severe form of PMS, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), affects approximately 824,000 women in the UK and 4.2 million in the US. PMDD can lead to extreme mental and physical health issues, including psychotic episodes and suicidal thoughts.

Rising Concerns About Cardiovascular Health

The findings of this study come amid growing concerns about rising rates of heart attacks and strokes, particularly among younger populations. Experts point to factors such as increasing obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption as contributors to this trend.

Data from the Stroke Association shows that a quarter of all strokes in the UK occur in people of working age, with a notable increase in cases among those under 55. While stroke rates have declined in older age groups over the past two decades, they have doubled in younger adults, according to research from the University of Oxford.

Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, usually due to a clot in a critical artery. In the UK, more than 100,000 people suffer strokes each year, with 38,000 fatalities reported annually. Public health campaigns emphasize the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms using the FAST acronym—Face, Arms, Speech, Time. Early detection and prompt action can significantly improve outcomes.