Higher Risk of Getting PMS for Woman Smoker

premenstrual syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a range of physical and emotional symptoms that many women experience in the days leading up to their period. Researchers suggest that certain lifestyle factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing PMS, although they have not fully understood the exact causes of PMS. One such factor is smoking.

According to Dr Elizabeth Bertone-Johnson of the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and her colleagues, smoking increases the risk of moderate to severe PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and provides another reason for women especially adolescents and young women, not to smoke.

Research has shown that smoking can impact the levels of multiple hormones, and a limited number of studies investigating the association between smoking and PMS have indicated that women with PMS are more likely to be smokers.

These researchers looked at a subset of women who were PMS-free during the first 2 years of the study, comparing 1057 who did go on to develop PMS to 1968 who did not.

The women who were current smokers were 2.1 times more likely than non-smokers to report PMS within 2 -4 years. Women who picked up smoking at a tender age had their risk increase.  Dr Bertone- Johnson said,

“Previous studies suggested that smoking may alter levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and other hormones, many of which may be involved in the development of PMS.”

“Some studies have found that smokers have shorter and more irregular menstrual cycles than non-smokers”

“Smoking may also lower levels of vitamin D in the body, which also may increase a woman’s risk of developing PMS”.

Related post: Smoking Can Alter A Woman’s Body Shape

Additional Wisdom on A Easy Way to Stop Smoking

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)