PMS as a Gendered Illness Linked to the Construction and Relational Experience of Hetero-Femininity

Representations of PMS and Premenstrual Women in Men's Accounts: An Analysis of Online Posts from PMSBuddy.com

“…Research on the relational experience of PMS, conducted with heterosexual women, is consistent with the above findings (Mooney-Somers et al, 2008;Sveinsdottir, Lundman, & Norberg, 2002;Ussher & Perz, 2013b;Ussher, Perz, & Mooney-Somers, 2007). For example, in Sveinsdottir and colleagues' (2002) study, women described men as deploying the term PMS in a belittling, mocking, demeaning way and "blowing it off" as a legitimate experience for women.…”

“…Such reports indicate men's portrayal of premenstrual change as an illness, an illegitimate experience for women, and as engaging in culturally unacceptable behavior (Chrisler, 2002;Ussher, 2011). These findings also evidence the negative impact that men's negative constructions can have on a woman's negotiation of her premenstrual experiences (Ussher & Perz, 2013b).…”

“…For example, in Sveinsdottir and colleagues' (2002) study, women described men as deploying the term PMS in a belittling, mocking, demeaning way and "blowing it off" as a legitimate experience for women. Similarly, in Ussher and Perz's (2013b) study, heterosexual women recounted instances in which their partners positioned them as mad or bad premenstrually. This is illustrated by a woman who stated that her partner would ask her, "Who am I talking to today?"…”

“…In PMS research, there is a large focus on women, the PMS sufferers, which negates men's constructions and responses to premenstrual change. There is strong evidence that PMS is a relational issue, as premenstrual change is negotiated within a relational context (Ussher & Perz, 2013b). Intimate partners can affect the way in which women experience and understand premenstrual change, with partners' responses contributing to the amelioration or exacerbation of women's premenstrual distress (Jones, Theodos, Canar, Sher, & Young, 2000;Mooney-Somers, Perz, & Ussher, 2008;Rundle, 2005;, 2013b.…”

“…There is strong evidence that PMS is a relational issue, as premenstrual change is negotiated within a relational context (Ussher & Perz, 2013b). Intimate partners can affect the way in which women experience and understand premenstrual change, with partners' responses contributing to the amelioration or exacerbation of women's premenstrual distress (Jones, Theodos, Canar, Sher, & Young, 2000;Mooney-Somers, Perz, & Ussher, 2008;Rundle, 2005;, 2013b. Premenstrual changes also can have an impact on men, through changes in relationship dynamics (Rundle, 2005;Ryser & Feinauer, 1992).…”