The premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its accompanying symptoms—such as headaches, cold syndrome, and irritability—which Donguibogam explained through coldness and deficiency of blood, can also be explained by highly complex causes in modern medicine. While often overlooked as something only women go through, PMS is a real medical condition experienced by more than 80% of women worldwide, and in severe cases, it is diagnosed as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which interferes with daily life.
The primary cause is hormonal changes. Before menstruation, levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate sharply; in particular, a steep decline in estrogen significantly affects neurotransmitters in the brain. As levels of serotonin, known as the happiness hormone, drop, mood changes such as depression, anxiety, irritability, and appetite shifts intensify. Furthermore, an imbalance in calming substances such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) can lead to sleep disorders or anxiety symptoms. Donguibogam's connection of blood flow with emotions aligns directly with how modern medicine explains the interaction between hormones and neurotransmitters.
In the case of headaches, the drop in estrogen levels frequently triggers migraines by affecting the constriction and dilation of cerebral blood vessels. Changes in blood vessels also affect blood flow volume to the brain, producing pain. Additionally, an increase in prostaglandins, substances that induce inflammation, can act as a primary culprit worsening not only dysmenorrhea but also headaches.
Cold syndrome may be an issue that goes beyond simply being sensitive to the cold. Hormonal shifts can affect the autonomic nervous system to impair blood circulation, or they may signal another endocrine disease such as hypothyroidism. In particular, poor blood circulation around the uterus easily leads to lower abdominal cold syndrome. The constriction of peripheral blood vessels resulting in cold hands and feet is deeply related to an actual reduction in blood flow volume, mirroring Donguibogam's concept that when blood is deficient, coldness ensues.
Furthermore, gut health cannot be ignored. The gut microbiome plays an important role in estrogen metabolism; if gut health is compromised, hormonal balance is disrupted, which can worsen PMS symptoms. The same applies to stress. Stress increases cortisol secretion and promotes inflammatory responses, which in turn adversely affects hormonal balance and neurotransmitter function, creating a vicious cycle that further aggravates PMS symptoms. Ultimately, it is crucial to understand that PMS is not simply an isolated uterine problem, but an integrated signal arising from a tangled, complex network involving the brain, hormones, nervous system, blood vessels, gut, and stress responses throughout our entire body.
