PMS and Premature Menopause: Study Reveals Association with Women's Health Risks

A new study published in JAMA Network Open highlights that women who suffer from premenstrual disorders (PMDs) have a higher risk of developing premature menopause, with important consequences for cardiovascular, bone, and neurological health.

Most women enter menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, a new study published in JAMA Network Open highlights that women who suffer from premenstrual disorders (PMDs) have a higher risk of developing premature menopause — with important consequences for cardiovascular, bone, and neurological health.

PMS and Premature Menopause: What's the Connection?

Women who reported PMS symptoms had more than double the probability of entering menopause before age 45, compared to those who did not experience these symptoms.

The types of PMDs analyzed include:

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): considered mild, affects up to 30% of women with symptoms such as irritability and bloating.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): more severe, impacts quality of life with psychological, gastrointestinal, dermatological, and neurological symptoms.

Long-term Impacts

Previous studies had already demonstrated that PMDs are associated with more intense symptoms in postmenopause, such as:

Hot flashes
Night sweats
Increased risk of hypertension
Heart disease and diabetes

Additionally, premature menopause is linked to worse heart, brain, and bone health, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Aggravating Risk Factors

Smoking

Smoking and former smoking women showed higher prevalence of premature menopause.

Altered hormonal response

Women with PMDD showed lower nocturnal cortisol levels, indicating possible hypothalamic-pituitary axis dysfunction.

Chronic inflammation

High levels of inflammatory cytokines can accelerate follicular depletion and anticipate menopause.

Conclusion: Monitoring and Support Are Essential

The study reinforces the need for clinical monitoring of women with PMS, especially in more severe cases such as PMDD. This attention can help prevent future complications during the menopausal transition.

Reference

Yang Y, Valdimarsdóttir UA, Manson JE, et al. Premenstrual Disorders, Timing of Menopause, and Severity of Vasomotor Symptoms. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(9):e2334545. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.34545

Authored by Dr. Francisco Tostes, Scientific Director of SottoPelle Brasil.