A nationwide observational study conducted in Sweden has shed light on the long-term consequences of premenstrual disorders (PMDs) in women, revealing a startling risk of suicide. The study, led by women's mental health epidemiologist Marion Opatowski of the Karolinska Institute, found that women with PMDs are more than twice as likely to die by suicide compared to those without these disorders.

PMDs affect an estimated 5 to 8 percent of women, causing moderate to severe symptoms that negatively impact their lives, mental health, and ability to function normally. Despite the global prevalence of these disorders, there is a shocking lack of understanding regarding their long-term implications.

The study sought to address this knowledge gap by conducting a cohort study, which followed 67,748 women diagnosed with PMDs in Sweden between 2001 and 2018. Each patient was randomly matched with five women who had not been diagnosed with PMDs, resulting in a total of 406,488 women being analyzed.

The results revealed that women with PMDs did not have an overall higher risk of mortality. However, they exhibited a significantly higher risk of death by non-natural causes, particularly suicide. The incidence of suicide among women with PMDs was 2.3 deaths per 10,000 person-years, compared to 1.06 deaths per 10,000 person-years for women without PMDs.

Previous research has shown that PMDs are often comorbid with psychiatric disorders, which are associated with higher mortality rates. However, even after accounting for these comorbidities, the elevated risk of suicide remains. The study did not delve into the reasons behind this link, as its main objective was to establish its existence for any cause of death.

Interestingly, the study also found that women with PMDs had a lower risk of death associated with cardiovascular causes. This could be due to closer contact with healthcare providers and the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, which are commonly prescribed for PMDs and provide some protection against cardiovascular diseases. Hormone replacement therapy may also play a role in reducing cardiovascular risks for women with PMDs.

These findings highlight the urgent need for further research to better understand the underlying mechanisms and risk factors associated with PMDs. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of providing comprehensive care and suicide prevention strategies for women suffering from PMDs, particularly among younger patients.

The study serves as a wake-up call to healthcare professionals, urging them to prioritize the mental health and well-being of women with PMDs. By improving awareness, support, and treatment options, we can hope to mitigate the devastating effects these disorders can have on women's lives.