In a recent piece, a gentleman ponders the reality of PMS, while women everywhere collectively roll their eyes. An article by journalist Jake Thornton dives into the history of PMS, ultimately suggesting that it might be more of a cultural construct than a genuine medical condition. Titled “Is PMS Real? Or Is It Just a Byproduct of a Menstruation-Phobic Society?”, Thornton explores various studies and concludes that PMS symptoms are largely influenced by societal expectations rather than biological truths.
Thornton argues that in cultures where menstruation is celebrated, like certain tribes in Papua New Guinea, PMS seems to vanish. He cites research indicating that women can experience heightened PMS symptoms simply because they’re told they are premenstrual, even when they aren’t. However, I’d argue that this theory has more holes than a poorly made cheesecloth.
But fear not, ladies! Thornton isn’t outright claiming that you’re “crazy.” Instead, he posits that just because something is culturally framed doesn’t mean we don’t feel it. He reminds us that “real” physiological symptoms can have roots in both mind and body, which is comforting when “real” is placed in quotes, right?
He delves into the historical perspective of “hysteria,” a term used to label women who expressed strong emotions. This outdated diagnosis, based on the notion of a “wandering uterus,” has long been debunked—thankfully, as it’s hard to take a medical opinion seriously when it’s based on such absurdity. Today, it seems the only people diagnosing hysteria are husbands who might want to think twice about that.
Thornton believes that PMS symptoms are a result of suggestion, stemming from when the term was popularized in the 1950s. Once it was recognized as a condition, the list of symptoms exploded to include everything from clumsiness to increased empathy. He suggests that the prevalence of PMS can be anywhere from 5% to 95%, sarcastically using the term “afflicted.” Well, thanks for your concern, but I’ll stick with my OB/GYN, who is backed by science.
The facts speak for themselves. According to the Office of Women at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, up to 85% of women experience at least one PMS symptom. Not convinced? Check out the Mayo Clinic, which echoes this sentiment. If all else fails, perhaps you should ask Thornton’s partner, who reportedly responded to his doubts about her PMS with a chilling silence—an answer in itself!
So, ladies, grab your favorite snacks, settle in for some binge-watching, and let’s have a laugh at the men’s rights forums while we tackle this controversial topic together. And if you’re interested in more about the journey to parenthood, check out our post about terms and conditions for some insightful info.
In summary, while some may question the reality of PMS, the overwhelming evidence suggests it’s a very real experience for many women. The social interpretations surrounding it may vary, but the symptoms are genuine, and our cultural understanding of menstruation continues to evolve.