THE MENSTRUAL-CYCLE AND THE WELL-BEING OF WOMEN

The concept of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is considered and found wan ting. The problems which are presented under the heading of PMS, howev er, are important and need better understanding. A three factor model to account for such problems is presented. The three factors are (i) m enstruation, problems with which may influence mood and well being pre menstrually as well as during menstruation; (ii) the timing factor, li nked to the normal hormonal cycle and producing cyclical variability i n certain aspects of central nervous system (CNS) function; and (iii) the vulnerability factor, which is not a function of the menstrual cyc le, but which involves other characteristics which result in some wome n reacting to the first two factors adversely. Evidence is presented t hat the mood changes which commonly occur premenstrually are linked to cycle-related alterations in serotonergic activity in the CNS, and pr emenstrual food craving may be a marker of such alterations. The term 'menstrual cycle related problems' is offered as a preferable alternat ive to 'premenstrual syndrome'.