Inflammation could be the long-awaited explanation for why millions of women suffer with premenstrual mood fluctuations, cravings and cramps.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, near San Francisco, have found a link between premenstrual symptoms, period pain and a biomarker for inflammation in the body called high sensitivity C-reactive (Hs-CR) protein.
Monash University's faculty of medicine, nursing and health sciences reports 90 per cent of women experience at least one symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) every month, including fluid retention, bloating and weight gain.
While anti-inflammatory drugs have long been used to ease some premenstrual symptoms, the causes have largely remained a mystery.
The American researchers studied almost 3000 women and discovered that those with higher levels of the Hs-CR proteins were more likely to report mood symptoms, abdominal cramps, back and breast pain, cravings, weight gain, and bloating.
Headaches did not appear to be linked to elevated Hs-CR protein levels.
The research by UCDavis' Ellen Gold, Craig Wells and Marianne O'Neill Rasor was recently published in the Journal of Women's Health.
"The significant relationships of specific groups of PMS with elevated Hs-CR protein levels have potential clinical implications for treatment and possibly for prevention by advising women about the factors associated with inflammation and the potential for treatment with anti-inflammatory agents," they wrote.
"These results suggest that inflammation may play a mechanistic role in most PMS, although further longitudinal study of these relationships is needed.
"However, recommending to women to avoid behaviours that are associated with inflammation may be helpful for prevention, and anti-inflammatory agents may be useful for treatment of these symptoms."
Dr Rosie Worsley, an endocrinologist at Jean Hailes, said about 20 per cent of Australian women are seriously impacted by PMS, while 5 per cent will experience extreme symptoms.
"Even though PMS is so common, there's actually very little good research in it," she said.
"It's very hard to get funding. It's just not seen as a priority.
"It makes sense that some part of the immune system is playing a role in the symptoms."
Elizabeth Bertone-Johnson, associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Massachusetts, wrote a supporting editorial, which also stated the cause of PMS "remains poorly understood".
"Very few studies to date have directly evaluated the association of inflammation and premenstrual symptoms or PMS, but results are remarkably consistent," she wrote.
"This is not only the largest but also the most racially and ethnically diverse study of inflammation and premenstrual symptoms conducted to date."
Associate professor Bertone-Johnson said the findings had "set a path" for ongoing research" to determine whether the symptoms were caused by inflammation or if the symptoms themselves were altering inflammation levels.
"A better understanding of how immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation contribute to premenstrual symptoms could have important implications for primary prevention and provide new avenues for treatment," she wrote.
"As millions of women are adversely affected by PMS on a monthly basis, continued research in this area is essential."
Foods that inflame
Try to avoid or limit these foods as much as possible:
- Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries
- Chips and other fried foods
- Sugar-sweetened beverages
- Red meat (burgers, steaks) and processed meat (hot dogs, sausage)
- Margarine, hard cooking fats such as lard
Foods that combat inflammation
Include plenty of these anti-inflammatory foods in your diet:
- Tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and silverbeet
- Nuts such as almonds and walnuts
- Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines
- Fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries and oranges
Source: Harvard Women's Health Watch
