Truth Revealed: Does PMS Get Worse with Age?

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a real condition that commonly affects individuals with ovaries.

It refers to the changes in behavior, mood, emotions, and physical health between ovulation and the start of your periods.

It causes symptoms like acne, fatigue, cramps, and mood swings. These symptoms can cause severe distress and discomfort and may appear to worsen over time.

This has raised a common concern among many- ‘Does PMS get worse with age?’ 

This article will answer this question and how PMS changes with age. We will also explore different strategies to manage this condition.

Does PMS Get Worse with Age

Yes, Premenstrual Syndrome can get worse with age.

Research shows that physical symptoms of PMS can get worse with age. These physical symptoms may include fatigue, skin issues, body aches, and bloating.

However, mood symptoms occurred uniformly across age groups. Such symptoms may include Anxiety and mood swings.

However, another study does not support the idea that PMS worsens with age.

Therefore, further research is needed to exactly determine how age affects PMS. 

How PMS Changes with Age

For most people, the symptoms of PMS worsen with age. Factors like pregnancy, stress, hormonal changes, perimenopause, and menopause may affect PMS symptoms.

In such cases, knowing how the symptoms change over the years may be helpful. Let us discuss how the symptoms differ in the 20s, 30s, and 40s.

In your 20s

Premenstrual Syndrome typically starts in your 20s. As the teenage years come to an end, usually, the menstrual cycles, as well as PMS symptoms, become more regular. 

Regular patterns of bloating and irritability associated with PMS may become more noticeable. For some, back pain and mood swings may be the more troublesome and regular PMS symptoms. 

In your 30s

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Generally, the symptoms of PMS in your 30s resemble those in your 20s. Though in the late 30s, the symptoms may worsen than in the 20s.

Symptoms of PMS may worsen in your 30s if you have given birth, have a family history of Depression, or a history of a mood disorder like Bipolar Disorder.

Depression is also a common symptom of PMS. To know how and why PMS affects your mental health, read Breaking the Taboo: Addressing PMS Depression Effectively.

In your 40s

Perimenopause is the period around menopause when the ovaries gradually stop working. It typically begins in your mid to late 40s.

During this period, hormone levels fluctuate in unpredictable ways, which causes periods to become irregular.

Normal PMS symptoms can worsen during this time which may be accompanied by vaginal dryness and hot flashes.

As menopause marks the end of your period, symptoms of PMS will stop, too. However, in some cases, the symptoms of menopause can be similar to PMS.

Management Strategies for PMS

The treatment for Premenstrual Syndrome usually focuses on managing the underlying hormonal imbalance with medications and lifestyle changes.

Medications like Spironolactone are used to manage bloating associated with PMS. Danazol may also be prescribed to manage Premenstrual Syndrome.

Lifestyle changes like exercise, diet, and stress management may be the best natural remedies for PMS.

Taking vitamins and calcium supplements may also help. Meditation and yoga are effective stress management techniques that may help restore hormonal imbalances that cause PMS.

It is essential to seek medical help for PMS symptoms if they interfere with your daily activities or worsen over time.

Conclusion

Premenstrual Syndrome refers to the changes in mood, behavior, emotions, and physical health that occur between ovulation and the start of your period.

It can cause symptoms like fatigue, backache, cramps, and mood swings. However, for some women, these symptoms may worsen over time.

This has led to the question- ‘Does PMS get worse with age?’

Yes, PMS can get worse with age. Especially physical symptoms of PMS, like fatigue and backaches, worsen over time.

PMS symptoms are usually mild in your 20s and 30s. However, they may worsen in the late 30s and early 40s.

As a woman approaches menopause, the symptoms may become worse in the late 40s. Such symptoms may go away as menopause marks the end of your periods.

Treatment with medications and lifestyle changes may help manage its symptoms and help you go back to your normal life.

Frequently Asked Questions

• womenshealth.gov
• healthline.com