Severe premenstrual disorder may increase risk of early onset perimenopausal symptoms

1. This prospective study found that women with severe premenstrual disorders (PMDs) were at increased risk for early onset of menopause.

2. PMDs were also found to be associated with severe or longstanding vasomotor symptoms in menopause. 

Evidence Rating Level: 2 (Good)

Vasomotor symptoms including hot flashes and night sweats are common and often disruptive symptoms experienced by women during menopause. PMDs, on the other hand, encompass a range of physical and psychological symptoms that occur in the time leading to menstruation, affecting many women during their reproductive years. Understanding the interplay between these two phenomena and their potential impact on the timing and severity of menopausal symptoms is vital for women’s health and well-being. The data analyzed in this prospective study were from the Nurses’ Health Study II (NHSII) cohort study conducted in the UK, and included 1220 women with confirmed premenstrual disorders and 2415 without. It was found that overall, women with premenstrual disorders had an increased risk of early menopause (HR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.27-5.59), but overall, both groups reached menopause at similar ages (51.4 years for PMD, 51.8 years for non-PMD). A positive correlation between PMDs and any vasomotor symptoms was found, with associations being particularly strong for those with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.32-2.14) or symptoms lasting > 5 years (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.01-2.02). These findings underscore the importance of recognizing and addressing premenstrual disorders in women’s health. Identifying women at risk for severe vasomotor symptoms during menopause based on their history of premenstrual disorders can inform personalized healthcare strategies and interventions. Further research will be essential to explore the underlying mechanisms and to develop targeted interventions that can improve the overall well-being of women during menopause.

Click to read the study in JAMA Network Open

Image: PD

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