1.PMS is a mental condition.True or False

2.In the United States, it was argued after World
War I that women should not work out of the home
because of menstruation’s debilitating effects.True or False

3.Tampons are accepted in all cultures.True or False

4.PMS is caused by increased levels of hormones.True or False

5.PMS can be prevented.True or False

6.There are no tests to diagnose PMS.True or False

7.PMS symptoms reduce in intensity with age.True or False

8.Women may become more sensitive to alcohol
when experiencing PMS.True or False

9.Some foods may aggravate PMS symptoms.True or False

10.The average women will have her menstruation
cycle for an average of 40 years.True or False

Answers:
1.False. PMS is a medical condition that is related to a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms.
2.True. However, when World War II started, this belief system about menstruation changed because women were needed in the work force.
3.False. For example, in Australia, it is believed that using a tampon could result in the lose of a woman’s virginity.
4.False. The exact cause of PMS is still unknown, but it is believed that PMS may be a result of fluctuating hormones that occur prior to menstruation.
5.False. PMS cannot be prevented, but certain treatments can provide relief from symptoms.
6.True. There are no tests to diagnose PMS, but doctors can administer tests to rule out other possible conditions.
7.False. The opposite is true. PMS may worsen with age.
8.True. Some women may become more sensitive to alcohol during the menstrual cycle.
9.True. Although many women will crave foods with high-fat content and high-levels of refined sugar, these types of food can aggravate PMS symptoms.
10.True. Menstruation can start as early as 10 years of age and continue until women reach an average age of 50.

Author – Valerie Otto, CEO Oona Health www.oonahealth.com

Sources used: http://my.webmd.com/content/article/10/2953_497.htm?z=2953_00483_6501_00_25; http://www.sex-dictionary.info/alphabet/menstruation.htm; http://womenwa.communitydevelopment.wa.gov.au/pdf/
sexual_health_and_sexuality.pdf; and http://www.ivillagehealth.com/library/nwh/content/0,,215912_227302,00.html

About the Author

President and Founder of Oöna Health, Valerie Otto made Oöna Health her company's new name.

Ms. Otto, who prior to Columbia University received her Bachelor of Science degree from Ithaca College in New York, has appeared on numerous radio and television programs, including ABC's Good Morning America. She works closely with the medical community as a proponent of wellness alternatives and greater choices for women's health.