PMS Evolved to Increase Reproductive Chances in Women

Researchers say that premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is nature's way of improving chances of reproduction in women.

In the past, women didn't have as many menstrual cycles as modern-day women. Also, women couldn't control their reproductive health as they were either pregnant or breastfeeding. According to researchers at the Macquarie University, PMS in these conditions would be a boon for those in a relationship with an infertile partner.

PMS is characterized by mood swings, depression and irritability. The researchers say that the syndrome probably evolved to dissolve unhappy relationships and give women better chances to reproduce.

Currently, 3 in every 4 menstruating women experience some form of premenstrual syndrome with some showing more severe symptoms than others. Health experts advise women to follow healthy eating habits and exercise regimen to lower the severity of PMS symptoms. Nobody is sure why some people have noticeable signs of the syndrome while others don't.

According to the researchers, studies based on genetics and behavior have confirmed that certain genes increase risk of PMS. Data has also shown that PMS affects relationships with romantic partners.

"Under this view, the prevalence of PMS might result from genes and behaviours that are adaptive in some societies, but are potentially less appropriate in modern cultures," said Michael Gillings from the  Macquarie University.

"Understanding this might help the management of PMS and will help change attitudes, for example, towards cycle-stopping contraception. PMS is a simple and natural behaviour that arose as a consequence of our evolutionary past," Gillings added, according to a news release.

Studies have shown that women in several countries experience PMS. In fact, depression and anger just before menstrual cycles, have even been documented by Hippocrates.

Gillings' research has been published in the journal Evolutionary Applications.