A recent study conducted in Sweden revealed that women with premenstrual disorders (PMDs) do not have a heightened risk of overall mortality during an average follow-up period of approximately 6 years. However, they do face a significantly higher risk of death from nonnatural causes compared to women without PMDs. The study, led by Marion Opatowski, PhD, and her colleagues at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, found that women diagnosed with PMDs before age 25 have more than double the risk of all-cause mortality, including death from suicide and natural causes. On the other hand, women diagnosed with PMDs at ages 45-51 had a lower mortality risk compared to their counterparts without PMDs.
The researchers highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for women with PMDs, especially those diagnosed at a young age. The study emphasized the need for further research to better understand the relationship between PMDs and premature mortality, particularly whether women with PMDs experience a more severe disease course or have a poor response to treatment options. It is crucial to develop a standard care pathway for PMDs and raise awareness about the disorder to mitigate negative consequences such as suicidal behavior and premature death.
PMDs involve a range of symptoms, including depression, mood swings, and mood disorders. They encompass premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, the latter being a severe form of PMDs experienced by a small percentage of women of reproductive age. While previous studies have linked PMDs with suicidal thoughts and behaviors, the recent study in Sweden provided evidence that women with PMDs are also at a higher risk of completed suicide.
The researchers used data from Swedish national health and population registries to analyze the impact of PMDs on mortality risk. They tracked dates of death and underlying causes through the national death register, classifying suicides and accidents as nonnatural causes of death. The study included over 400,000 women, with a subset having clinically diagnosed PMDs between 2002 and 2018. Limitations of the study included the potential exclusion of many women with PMDs who did not receive specialist diagnoses or medication.
To address the implications of PMDs on mortality risk, the researchers suggested the involvement of a multidisciplinary care team consisting of mental health specialists, gynecologists, general practitioners, and other healthcare professionals. This approach could help provide comprehensive care for women with PMDs and reduce the negative outcomes associated with the disorder. Overall, the study underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing PMDs in healthcare settings to improve outcomes for affected women.