Understanding PMT and PMDD: The Social and Biological Perspectives on Premenstrual Tension
Throughout history, the definition of premenstrual tension (PMT), also known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), has been surrounded by confusion and debate. Despite many scientific studies on PMT and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), much of the evidence is vague, often based on anecdotal reports rather than solid scientific research. This has led some experts, such as Professor Jane Ussher from the University of Western Sydney, to question the scientific validity of labeling PMT and post-natal depression as hormonal disorders.
In her book, Managing the Monstrous Feminine, Ussher argues that the emotional symptoms women experience, such as anger, stress, and depression, are not caused by biological dysfunction but rather by societal pressures. Critics of the traditional understanding of PMT contend that the “medicalization” of the female body has fostered a pharmaceutical market rather than addressing the root causes of women’s emotional and psychological challenges.
The Hormonal Explanation of PMT and PMDD
Many women experiencing PMT find it difficult to accept that their emotional turmoil might not be purely hormone-related. However, critics like Ussher claim that PMT is a social construct that has been normalized as a biological issue. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) includes PMDD as a psychiatric condition, but Ussher suggests that this classification only reinforces the idea of PMT as a medical disorder without addressing the real sources of emotional distress.
The inclusion of PMDD as a disorder has had its critics, including Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Susan Faludi, who reported the frustration of female board members in the American Medical Association (AMA) when the disorder was added to the DSM-IV. Faludi’s account suggests that the decision was driven by societal pressures rather than scientific evidence.
The DSM-IV’s Definition of PMDD and PMS
The DSM-IV describes PMDD as a severe form of PMS, characterized by physical symptoms such as irritability, depressed mood, and impaired concentration. However, the definition itself is vague, with many healthcare professionals unable to agree on the true nature of PMS. Both PMS and PMDD share symptoms with major psychological disorders, but they often go under-recognized in epidemiological studies, contributing to the uncertainty surrounding their causes and treatments.
Ussher points out that despite numerous studies, no clear understanding or treatment of premenstrual symptoms has emerged. The lack of consensus among biomedical and psychological researchers means that PMS and PMDD often get lumped together under psychological conditions, further medicalizing women’s natural biological responses without addressing the underlying societal factors.
The Sociocultural Factors Behind PMT and PMDD
Ussher argues that the emotional symptoms attributed to PMT and PMDD are actually reactions to societal pressures and expectations placed on women. According to Ussher, terms like PMS, post-natal depression, and menopause have been used to pathologize women’s emotional distress instead of recognizing these feelings as natural responses to the overwhelming responsibilities women often face.
Women’s anger and depression are often misunderstood as symptoms of PMS rather than expressions of frustration due to societal expectations. Ussher emphasizes that women’s emotional distress is not a sign of biological dysfunction but rather a reaction to the burden of trying to fulfill societal roles while neglecting their own needs.
The Impact of Pharmaceutical Interventions
Ussher also criticizes the use of pharmaceutical treatments to manage PMT and PMDD without addressing their underlying causes. Drugs like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to women with PMDD, yet Ussher suggests these treatments fail to address the root cause of women’s emotional turmoil. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the over-diagnosis of PMDD, with critics suggesting that women with milder premenstrual symptoms may be wrongly diagnosed, leading to unnecessary drug use.
Rethinking Women’s Emotional Health
Ussher proposes that society needs to move away from the notion that women’s emotional distress is inherently linked to their reproductive systems. She argues that women’s emotional health should not be viewed as biologically flawed but as a result of societal pressures. This perspective suggests that women must be empowered to recognize and address the root causes of their distress, rather than accepting them as natural consequences of biological cycles.
Conclusion: Empowering Women to Take Control of Their Emotional Health
Ussher’s perspective challenges conventional thinking about PMT and PMDD, urging women to understand that it is acceptable to be vulnerable at certain times without letting it overwhelm them. By acknowledging the societal pressures that contribute to emotional distress, women can learn to take control of their emotional health and prioritize their own needs.