Friday, 10 Oct 2025
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
logo logo
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
  • 🔥
  • Trump
  • VIDEO
  • House
  • White
  • ScienceAlert
  • Trumps
  • Watch
  • man
  • Health
  • Season
Font ResizerAa
American FocusAmerican Focus
Search
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
Follow US
© 2024 americanfocus.online – All Rights Reserved.
American Focus > Blog > Tech and Science > Exploring PMS is a great idea, but The Period Brain can be simplistic
Tech and Science

Exploring PMS is a great idea, but The Period Brain can be simplistic

Last updated: October 3, 2025 3:47 am
Share
Exploring PMS is a great idea, but The Period Brain can be simplistic
SHARE

Health

Research on premenstrual syndrome and its effects has been overlooked, making Sarah Hill’s latest book a valued contribution. However, it requires a deeper exploration of genetics in addition to lifestyle modifications, argues Alexandra Thompson.

By Alexandra Thompson

A woman holds a placard with a sanitary towel featuring fake blood at the Women's March in Amsterdam on March 8, 2020. (Photo by Romy Arroyo Fernandez/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The menstrual cycle and various dimensions of women’s health have been inadequately researched

Romy Arroyo Fernandez/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Period Brain
Sarah Hill Vermilion (UK); Harvest (US)

During my time living at home, my mother would always notice when my period was about to start: I would rummage through snack provisions more often and my mood would shift. I distinctly remember the chaos that ensued when she mistakenly bought chicken breasts instead of thighs on a night I was set to cook.

These reactions are emblematic of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a prevalent issue highlighted in the book The Period Brain: The new science of why we PMS and how to fix it. Author Sarah Hill, known for her insights on the impact of birth control on mental health, explores ways to alleviate PMS, particularly emphasizing lifestyle modifications.

For many years, women’s health has been overlooked by researchers, and Hill, with her background in evolutionary psychology and a position leading a health and relationships lab at Texas Christian University, is in a prime position to address these gaps. Yet, at times, her conclusions seem insufficient.

She posits that PMS may partly result from dietary recommendations suggesting women have an average intake of around 2000 calories, contrasting with findings that point to an increase of 140 calories needed during the luteal phase—which aligns with when PMS typically manifests. Hill claims that adherence to these guidelines leads to cravings and food fixation, culminating in binge eating that exacerbates symptoms.

See also  RSV around the World: The Good (and Bad) News

However, on a more personal note, I don’t know many women who meticulously track their caloric intake to that level, nor do I know anyone who would forgo a snack of 140 calories—less than you’d find in a handful of veggies and hummus—if they felt it necessary. This suggests a potential oversimplification from Hill regarding PMS triggers.

Despite referencing numerous studies, Hill often lacks specifics on sample sizes and durations of interventions, which are crucial for assessing the validity of research findings, especially since smaller sample sizes risk overlooking significant genetic variability.

The role of genetics in PMS is minimally addressed. Though specific PMS-related genes remain unidentified, it’s worth noting that the condition appears more frequently among identical twins compared to fraternal twins, suggesting a genetic component. Likewise, genetics play a role in various menstrual cycle aspects, including duration and onset of menopause, indicating that PMS could eventually be linked genetically.

Hill makes several recommendations for symptom relief which include various unverified supplements, increased sunlight exposure, or changing exercise routines throughout the menstrual cycle (though the latter may have merit). It would be beneficial for her to consider that the severe challenges faced by many might stem more from genetic factors than just lifestyle choices.

I concur with Hill regarding the necessity for more in-depth studies throughout different phases of the menstrual cycle to better comprehend their effects on drug metabolism and the body’s reaction to psychological therapies. Furthermore, acknowledging that our mood fluctuations may be a natural reaction to hormonal variations might aid in managing them—perhaps some foresight could have helped avoid my own ‘chicken-gate’ situation.

See also  Improvements in 'reasoning' AI models may slow down soon, analysis finds

While The Period Brain didn’t grant me any groundbreaking strategies for alleviating PMS, every publication centered on women’s health contributes to diminishing the stigma surrounding conditions like PMS and could inspire further research, which is undoubtedly a positive outcome.

TAGGED:brainExploringgreatIdeaPeriodPMssimplistic
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article The S&P 500 Hits a Record Despite Bad Breadth The S&P 500 Hits a Record Despite Bad Breadth
Next Article Swedish Accessories Designer Susan Szatmáry Launches Footwear Swedish Accessories Designer Susan Szatmáry Launches Footwear
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

Astronomer’s New CEO Releases Statement Amid Coldplay Cheating Scandal

Astronomer Introduces New Interim CEO Addresses Coldplay Cheating Scandal Published July 21, 2025 10:32 AM…

July 21, 2025

Global markets lifted by Geneva talks

Global markets experienced a significant boost due to positive developments in the ongoing US-China trade…

May 12, 2025

Man arrested on suspicion of murder in November shooting in Denver’s Hampden neighborhood

A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder in connection with a shooting…

January 15, 2025

HMD’s X1 Fusion Is The Best First Smartphone For Children – But There’s a Catch

The decision of when to give a child their first smartphone is a challenging one…

June 28, 2025

50 Best Podcasts for Kids and Teens PreK-12 in 2024

Listeners are transported to different cultures and traditions, enhancing their global awareness and empathy. This…

April 22, 2025

You Might Also Like

Physicists are uncovering when nature’s strongest force falters
Tech and Science

Physicists are uncovering when nature’s strongest force falters

October 10, 2025
In a First, Pig Liver Helped a Cancer Patient Survive for More Than a Month
Tech and Science

In a First, Pig Liver Helped a Cancer Patient Survive for More Than a Month

October 10, 2025
Want to See the Best Fall Colors This Year? Science Has the Answer
Tech and Science

Want to See the Best Fall Colors This Year? Science Has the Answer

October 10, 2025
Reviewed: The mid-range Galaxy S25 FE is flawed in all the right ways
Tech and Science

Reviewed: The mid-range Galaxy S25 FE is flawed in all the right ways

October 10, 2025
logo logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


Explore global affairs, political insights, and linguistic origins. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of world news, politics, and Lifestyle.

Top Categories
  • Crime
  • Environment
  • Sports
  • Tech and Science
Usefull Links
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA

© 2024 americanfocus.online –  All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?