PMS Is Real. PMS Isn’t Real. How Culture Affects Our Premenstrual Experience.

Fact: Right before your period, your hormones and body can change. Myth: you’re automatically going to turn into a weepy, emotional, and irrational B*TCH. 

So how do the cultural perceptions around Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) change how you experience that time of the month? Turns out, a lot. 

For more on this research we’re joined by Jane Ussher. Jane is a professor of women’s health psychology at Western Sydney University. She’s also the author of “The Madness of Women: Myth and Experience." 

For more information on today’s episode visit helloclue.com/hormonal. And to find out how to support the work here at Clue, go to Clue.Plus. 

Want to know the answer to the question at the beginning of the show? Check out “Period blood color: brown, black, or dark — does it matter? on helloclue.com.

Background reading:

Helloclue.com: Tracking your period can help you understand PMS symptoms. Here’s how

Helloclue.com: Premenstrual magnification: Mental health conditions and PMS

Helloclue.com: Positive symptoms of PMS

Helloclue.com: Stress and the menstrual cycle

Helloclue.com: 9 tips for PMS relief