A recent study conducted in Sweden revealed that premenstrual disorders (PMDs) may be associated with a higher risk of death from nonnatural causes among women. The study, led by Marion Opatowski, PhD, from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, found that while women with PMDs did not have an increased risk of overall mortality, they did have a greater risk of death due to nonnatural causes. Specifically, women with PMDs were found to have a nearly twice the risk of death by suicide compared to women without PMDs.
The study also examined the age at which women were diagnosed with PMDs and its impact on mortality risk. Women diagnosed with PMDs before the age of 25 were found to have more than doubled the risk of all-cause mortality and death from both suicide and natural causes compared to unaffected women. On the other hand, women diagnosed with PMDs between the ages of 45-51 had a lower mortality risk compared to their counterparts without PMDs.
The findings of the study raise important questions about the diagnosis and management of PMDs. Opatowski highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and the need for more research to better understand the relationship between PMDs and premature mortality. She also emphasized the role of healthcare providers in providing a standard care pathway for PMDs and raising awareness about the disorder to mitigate negative consequences such as suicidal behavior and premature death.
PMDs encompass a range of symptoms including depression, mood swings, and mood disorders. They include both premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, the latter being a severe form of PMD experienced by a small percentage of women of reproductive age. It is classified as a depressive disorder and has been linked to suicidal ideation and behaviors in previous studies.
The study utilized data from Swedish national health and population registries to analyze the mortality risk associated with PMDs. Suicides and accidents were considered deaths from nonnatural causes, and the study included a large cohort of women with clinically diagnosed PMDs. However, limitations of the study included the potential exclusion of many women with PMDs who did not receive a formal diagnosis from specialists or through medication receipt.
The study sheds light on the complex relationship between PMDs and mortality risk among women. More research is needed to understand the underlying factors contributing to premature death among women with PMDs and to develop effective treatment strategies. Healthcare providers play a crucial role in early detection and management of PMDs to prevent negative outcomes such as suicide and premature mortality. By raising awareness and providing comprehensive care, it is possible to improve the quality of life and reduce the mortality risk associated with PMDs.
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