For many women, the monthly arrival of menstruation brings dreaded symptoms: migraines, abdominal cramps, mood swings, and back pain. These affect eight out of ten women through premenstrual syndrome (PMS). A study published in the Journal of Women's Health and reported by The Independent finally uncovers the root cause.
The primary culprit is C-reactive protein (CRP), a substance mainly produced by the liver that plays a crucial role in inflammatory responses. In women with menstrual pain, blood levels of CRP are significantly elevated, making it responsible for PMS symptoms in about 80% of cases. Researchers from the University of California are investigating this link to help physicians prescribe targeted anti-inflammatory treatments for better PMS prevention.
Now that we've pinpointed the cause, effective treatments could soon transform the lives of millions of women suffering from these symptoms.
