---
title: The Bloody Problem of PMS Research
date: 2022-01-17T03:00:00-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-bloody-problem-of-pms"
section: Resources
---
[Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate)

[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# The Bloody Problem of PMS Research

Is PMS real? This brief article highlights the lack of research about PMS because it primarily affects women and trans men. It explores ways to combat gender bias in medical research.

> Women’s and trans men’s bodies are viewed as abnormal even iniquitous, therefore their sexual subjectivities are excluded from critical health care. The medical treatment provided to them most of the time is sporadic and insufficient, so they continue to experience physical pain and discomfort.

[Read the full article ](https://cherwell.org/2021/01/17/the-bloody-problem-of-pms-research/)

SOURCE: Cherwell • AUTHOR: Marietta Kosma • LAST UPDATED: January 17, 2021

![The Bloody Problem of PMS](data:image/png;base64,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) 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle)
- [ understanding menstrual health conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/understanding-menstrual-health-conditions)
- [premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/premenstrual-syndrome-pms)
- [trans](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/trans)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

Share

[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)

##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## Finding an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Long-Term Care Community

A guide for people seeking inclusive long-term care for LGBTQ+ elders.

![Georg arthur pflueger elder care unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A guide for people seeking inclusive long-term care for LGBTQ+ elders.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-guide-to-finding-an-lgbtqia-inclusive-long-term-care-community)

[ResourcesRead

## A Report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT Adults in the US

A report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT adults in the United States, with information on how aging and care impact those populations and communities.

![48382470241_7c511908e5_c](data:image/png;base64,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)

A report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT adults in the United States, with information on how aging and care impact those populations and communities.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-report-on-american-indian-and-alaska-native-lgbtqia-adults-in-the-us)

[ResourcesRead

## Abortion Explained: Queer and Trans Justice

Stories of queer and trans folks who are involved in the fight for abortion rights, with a useful glossary of gender and sexuality terms.

![Abortion Explained- Queer and Trans Justice](data:image/png;base64,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)

Stories of queer and trans folks who are involved in the fight for abortion rights, with a useful glossary of gender and sexuality terms.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/abortion-explained-queer-and-trans-justice)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Understanding Changes in My Sexuality

MB shares how her sexuality has changed over the years, explaining how she felt during each transition.

![My Story- Understanding Changes in My Sexuality](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB shares how her sexuality has changed over the years, explaining how she felt during each transition.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-understanding-changes-in-my-sexuality)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Coping With Mental Health Issues Before Transitioning

MB explains how her mental health has improved since her transition and how her mental health conditions were connected to gender dysphoria.

![My Story- Coping With Mental Health Issues Before Transitioning](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB explains how her mental health has improved since her transition and how her mental health conditions were connected to gender dysphoria.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-coping-with-mental-health-issues-before-transitioning)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Experiencing Changes After My Transition

MB shares some of the physical changes she has gone through since beginning her transition.

![My Story- Experiencing Changes After My Transition](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB shares some of the physical changes she has gone through since beginning her transition.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-experiencing-changes-after-my-transition)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Searching for a Doctor as a Trans Woman

MB discusses her disappointing experiences as a trans woman navigating the healthcare system, even when dealing with staff who were trained to care for trans patients.

![My Story- Searching for a Doctor as a Trans Woman](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB discusses her disappointing experiences as a trans woman navigating the healthcare system, even when dealing with staff who were trained to care for trans patients.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-searching-for-a-doctor-as-a-trans-woman)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Giving Advice to Anyone Starting Their Transition

MB gives advice to people who are starting their transition, highlighting the importance of support from trans friends.

![My Story- Giving Advice to Anyone Starting Transition](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB gives advice to people who are starting their transition, highlighting the importance of support from trans friends.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-giving-advice-to-anyone-starting-their-transition)