Although premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has existed for as long as women have been having children, it wasn’t always accepted as a legitimate physical concern.
According to Marla Ahlgrimm, PMS is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the week before a woman’s period. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:
- Mood swings. Irritability, anxiety, and depressive behaviors are common.
- Physical symptoms. Bloating, fatigue, breast tenderness, headache, and even food cravings may pop up without warning.
- Behavioral changes. Marla Ahlgrimm says that some women experience brain fog, difficulty sleeping, and an increased appetite during PMS.
Is PMS Common?
PMS is a common condition that affects up to 85% of women of reproductive age. However the symptoms can vary from woman to woman and even from month-to-month.
PMS – A Quick History
The history of PMS is a long and complex one, admits Marla Ahlgrimm. The first documented descriptions of PMS-like symptoms date back to ancient Egypt. However it wasn’t until the early 20th century that premenstrual syndrome was formally recognized as a medical condition.
In 1931, American gynecologist Robert Frank coined the term premenstrual tension to describe the physical and emotional symptoms that some women experience before their period. Frank believed that PMS was caused by an imbalance of hormones, and he developed a regimen of treatment that included progesterone therapy.
In the 1950s, British physician Katharina Dalton coined the term PMS. Dalton realized that her monthly headaches disappeared while she was pregnant. This led to her using progesterone therapy to help other women manage their own PMS symptoms. Marla Ahlgrimm was fortunate enough to study with Dr. Dalton in London.
By the 1970s, PMS became a hot topic of research and discussion. Science began to truly study the causes of PMS, and new treatments were developed.
1982 saw the first pharmacy in the US dedicated to women’s health. Co-founded by Marla Ahlgrimm, this breakthrough office harnessed the power of natural hormone treatments to help women manage their PMS and other hormone-related conditions.
In 1987, the American Psychiatric Association officially recognized PMS as a disorder.
Today, PMS is a well-recognized condition, and there are a number of effective treatments available, says Marla Ahlgrimm. However, there is still quite a bit we don’t know about the condition. Marla Ahlgrimm believes that more research is needed to better understand its causes and conditions.
Something else women should know is that there is not an objective set of markers that clearly defines PMS for each woman. Marla Ahlgrimm says that researchers continue to look for the exact biomarkers or premenstrual symptoms triggers to help women who suffer the most find relief before their unwelcome monthly life disruption.
A Special Note On The Pandemic
The treatment of PMS is a long and complex one but it is clear that this condition has been recognized and studied for centuries, even if not as widespread as it should’ve been. Fortunately, Marla Ahlgrimm and other American medical pioneers have made the subject of PMS one that women feel comfortable talking about and have pushed to ensure that the women who suffer with the monthly hormone imbalance have access to effective treatments.
