PMS- All in the Mind

A recent research has revealed that PMS, menopause and post natal depression are all in women's minds rather than changes in hormones.

Research has revealed that although there are physiological changes in the body, most of these symptoms for pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause and post natal depression (PND) are primarily caused by stress.

Professor of women's health and psychology at the University of Western Sydney, Jane Ussher has said that after 20 years of studying the issue her latest research has proved that a woman's mood swings are rarely because of her reproductive body.

She said, 'We have this representation of the reproductive body as monstrous and needing drugs to help us through it, when women come off the drugs they find they don't need them at all. Looking after children, working full-time, looking after partner's emotional needs, no time for themselves, no time to eat properly, no time to rest, they're the reasons they are feeling angry.'

While Professor Ussher emphasized that the conditions are not related to women's hormones alone she did concede that hormones can influence PMS, menopause and PND. She said that women who had more demands reported more PMS.

'You say to women 'do you have PMS on holiday?' but most women say 'no'.'

However gynecologist and menopause expert Dr Elizabeth Farrell does not agree with Professor Ussher's findings.

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'I have a great sense of disbelief about her research. It could harm those women who are vulnerable and need to have a combination of treatments including counseling, therapy and prescriptive medications.'