Common Misconceptions

We tackle some of the most common misconceptions about PMS and how to manage them.

Misconception 1: Everyone with a uterus experiences PMS symptoms.

Fact: Everyone doesn’t experience PMS symptoms. Reports suggest that roughly 3 in 4 women get PMS symptoms during their period1.

Science: Everyone reacts differently to hormonal fluctuations during periods. Genetic factors, lifestyle, personal health history, stress levels, etc., play a major role in determining the severity of PMS symptoms among individuals.

Misconception 2: Pre menstrual syndrome PMS only affects girls who are 18 years and younger.

Fact: Women of any age who are menstruating can experience PMS. 75% of women in their reproductive period get affected due to PMS, however, only 20% to 40% of them face severe pre-menstrual symptoms. PMS symptoms are more frequent among women in their late 20s to early 40s.

Science: The transition of the body towards menopause during the 30s and 40s makes hormonal fluctuations bigger and more unpredictable2.

Misconception 3: Doing regular exercise doesn’t affect the emotional symptoms of PMS.

Fact: While exercising during periods might be challenging for some women, regular exercise helps in improving PMS symptoms such as depressive mood and fatigue.

Science: Endorphins are feel-good chemicals that result in positive emotions. Endorphins tend to decrease during PMS. Exercising during PMS helps in the increased production of endorphins and thus the overall emotions during PMS get better3.

Misconception 4: Women with regular cycles don’t experience PMS

Fact: Occurrence of PMS does not depend on the regularity of the cycle. Women with both regular and irregular cycles can experience PMS symptoms.

Science: The reason for the occurrence of PMS is uncertain. Main etiological factors responsible for the occurrence of PMS symptoms are considered to be changes in hormonal levels. PMS may be related to social, cultural, biological, and psychological factors4.

Misconception 5: PMS stops after having children

Fact: Women experience changes in PMS symptoms, and periods after pregnancy but PMS symptoms don't ultimately stop after pregnancy.

Science: The symptoms of PMS occur due to hormonal fluctuations. Hormonal changes are significant after pregnancy. Overlapping symptoms between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and postpartum depression (PPD) suggest that these disorders may share a common etiology and pathology. Moreover, PMS is a risk factor for the development of PPD5.

References

  1. Hofmeister S, Bodden S. Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Am Fam Physician. 2016 Aug 1;94(3):236–40.

  2. Dennerstein L, Lehert P, Heinemann K. Global epidemiological study of variation of premenstrual symptoms with age and sociodemographic factors. Menopause Int. 2011 Sep;17(3):96–101.​

  3. Yesildere Saglam H, Orsal O. Effect of exercise on premenstrual symptoms: A systematic review. Complement Ther Med. 2020 Jan;48:102272.

  4. Gudipally PR, Sharma GK. Premenstrual Syndrome. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. [Updated 2023 Jul 17; cited 2025 Apr 23]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560698/

  5. Buttner MM, Mott SL, Pearlstein T, Stuart S, Zlotnick C, O'Hara MW. Examination of premenstrual symptoms as a risk factor for depression in postpartum women. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2013 Jun;16(3):219–25. doi:10.1007/s00737-012-0323-x

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