Tobacco consumption and premenstrual syndrome: A case-control study Original paper
-
Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
-
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) involves physical and emotional symptoms linked to hormonal fluctuations. Recent research highlights the role of heavy metals and gut microbiome imbalances in worsening these symptoms. Lifestyle changes, microbiome-targeted therapies, and toxin reduction show promise in effective PMS management.
-
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
OverviewPremenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects roughly 3–9% of women of reproductive age and manifests as severe mood, behavioral, and physical symptoms tightly linked to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, distinguishing it from milder premenstrual syndrome (PMS).[1][2] Central to PMDD’s pathophysiology is an altered sensitivity of the central nervous system to normal fluctuations of […]
-
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
What was studied?
The study aimed to assess the relationship between tobacco smoking and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including its more severe form, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It focused on understanding how smoking may contribute to the occurrence of these menstrual disorders. The study utilized a case-control design, comparing women with PMS and PMDD to age-matched controls.
Who was studied?
The study population consisted of women diagnosed with PMS, women diagnosed with PMDD, and control groups who did not have PMS or PMDD. Participants were recruited from three major public hospitals and one family counseling center in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, ensuring a sample that included women of various age groups and social backgrounds. All participants completed a self-administered questionnaire that gathered information on their smoking habits, socio-demographic factors, and menstrual health.
What were the most important findings?
The study found that tobacco consumption is significantly associated with both PMS and PMDD. Specifically, current smokers had a higher likelihood of experiencing PMS and PMDD compared to non-smokers. This association was evident even among ex-smokers, although the odds ratio was less precise due to the small sample size of this group. The findings also indicated a dose-response relationship: women who smoked more than 15 cigarettes per day or those with higher pack-years of tobacco consumption had an increased risk of developing PMS and PMDD, suggesting a potential cumulative effect of tobacco exposure. The results were confirmed by a cubic spline model, which further demonstrated a correlation between the amount of tobacco consumed and the likelihood of developing these menstrual disorders.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The study’s findings suggest that tobacco consumption may be a modifiable risk factor for the development of PMS and PMDD. Given the high prevalence of tobacco use among women globally, particularly in Europe and the United States, these results highlight the need for public health strategies aimed at reducing smoking in women, particularly those in their reproductive years. Health professionals should be aware of the potential link between smoking and these menstrual disorders, as this could inform both prevention and treatment strategies. This study calls for further research to explore the long-term effects of smoking cessation and whether reducing tobacco exposure could lower the risk of developing PMS or PMDD in susceptible women.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) involves physical and emotional symptoms linked to hormonal fluctuations. Recent research highlights the role of heavy metals and gut microbiome imbalances in worsening these symptoms. Lifestyle changes, microbiome-targeted therapies, and toxin reduction show promise in effective PMS management.