---
title: Why has it been so hard to define premenstrual syndrome? | Niyora
description: Despite 58 years of research since 1931, doctors and researchers still cannot agree on what PMS is or which doctors should treat it. The paper argues that cul
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-social-construction-of-premenstrual-syndrome-1992/
---

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- Why has it been so hard to define premenstrual syndrome?

Survey study, 1992

# Why has it been so hard to define premenstrual syndrome?

Despite 58 years of research since 1931, doctors and researchers still cannot agree on what PMS is or which doctors should treat it. The paper argues that cultural beliefs about women have shaped how medicine understands PMS.

 Early or limited evidence

Review of PMS research and history

## What they did

A review of how PMS has been studied and understood since 1931, examining how cultural attitudes influence medical research.

## What they found

The term Premenstrual Tension was coined in 1931. After 58 years of scientific research, there is still no agreed-upon definition of PMS. Disagreement continues about whether PMS should be treated by gynecologists or psychiatrists. Cultural beliefs about women in Western society have shaped medical knowledge about PMS.

## What it means for you

How scientists study PMS has been influenced by cultural beliefs about women as well as by medical facts. The main limitation is that this is an essay about medical beliefs rather than a clinical study.

1931

year the term Premenstrual Tension was coined

58

years of research with no agreed definition

## About the study

Original title The social construction of premenstrual syndrome Authors Rodin M Journal Social science & medicine (1982) Year 1992 Study design Survey study What was tested None (literature review) Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/0277-9536(92)90118-a](https://doi.org/10.1016/0277-9536(92)90118-a)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Stigma, attitudes and culture](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-stigma-culture/)

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