Premenstrual syndrome: a time for introspection

Abstract

Premenstrual syndrome has emerged as an important reproductive health care issue amid heated debate about whether such a condition, in fact, exists. Polarization of opinion on this issue has been the result of imprecision in the definition of premenstrual syndrome, leading to inappropriate generalization of the disruptive physical, emotional, or behavioral changes of premenstrual syndrome to the entire female population. A shortage of reliable scientific information on premenstrual syndrome has led to inconsistent, and often ineffective, medical intervention by a sometimes skeptical medical profession. Examination of individual biases and the external factors that have influenced our thinking on this issue may allow us to more clearly define our role as a specialty in the ongoing investigations and management of menstrual cycle-related illnesses.