Is PMS A Warning Sign for the Development of Osteoporosis?
“For some women, PMS symptoms are minor disturbances that herald normal hormonal events culminating in menstruation. For others, these disturbances can be severe enough to disrupt their lives,” says Dr. Thys-Jacobs. “We think the difference may be calcium. During the menstrual cycle, the hormones that regulate calcium levels also interact with reproductive hormones. It may be that if a woman is not getting enough dietary calcium, it causes an imbalance between these hormones, contributing to, and in fact, exacerbating, her PMS symptoms.” Dr. Thys-Jacobs explains that if her calcium deficit theory is correct, PMS may be a warning sign of the potential for developing osteoporosis down the road. “One of our other investigations of women with PMS demonstrated lower bone mass measurements compared to women who said they didn’t have PMS,” notes Dr. Thys-Jacobs. “Also, symptoms of PMS such as cramping, irritability and depression are similar to those of a calcium deficient state. PMS symptoms