---
title: What different theories explain why PMS happens? | Niyora
description: Many theories exist about PMS causes. The most helpful explanations combine biological, psychological, and social factors all working together, rather than si
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/teorijski-pristupi-objasnjenju-etiologije-predmenstrualnog-sindroma-2018/
---

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- What different theories explain why PMS happens?

Study, 2018

# What different theories explain why PMS happens?

Many theories exist about PMS causes. The most helpful explanations combine biological, psychological, and social factors all working together, rather than single-factor theories.

 Early or limited evidence

Not applicable - this is a theoretical review, not a study of people

## What they did

This paper reviewed and compared different theoretical approaches that have been proposed to explain what causes premenstrual syndrome.

## What they found

About 20-50% of women experience PMS. Around 150 different symptoms can be connected to the syndrome. PMS is distinguished from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) by its pattern of symptoms, their severity, and the damage they cause. Complex, multivariate theoretical models are most helpful for understanding PMS causes.

## What it means for you

PMS is complex and likely caused by many different factors working together. No single explanation such as hormones alone or psychology alone is probably the full answer. This is a review of existing theories rather than a new study, so it summarizes what experts already believe rather than testing something new.

20-50%

Percentage of women affected by PMS

150

Different symptoms connected with PMS

## About the study

Original title Teorijski pristupi objašnjenju etiologije predmenstrualnog sindroma Authors Nataša Šimić, Katija Kalebić Journal Papers on Philosophy Psychology Sociology and Pedagogy Year 2018 Study design Study What was tested Not applicable - theoretical review of existing explanations Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.15291/radovifpsp.2510](https://doi.org/10.15291/radovifpsp.2510)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

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