premenstrual tension

English

Etymology

Coined by Robert T. Frank in 1931 of New York, the first doctor to treat PMS's physical and psychological components as related to a single cause.

Noun

premenstrual tension (uncountable)

1. (now chiefly UK) Synonym of premenstrual syndrome: the physical and psychological malaise experienced by many women between ovulation and the onset of menstruation. [1931]
   • 1950, Louis Portnoy, Jules Saltman, Fertility in Marriage: A Guide for the Childless:

     There may be an actual distaste for sexual relations for a week or so prior to the period, perhaps as part of a picture of general irritability and vague feelings of discomfort of which some women complain; the name "premenstrual tension" has been applied to this.

   • 1950, Public Health Service publication no. 263, sect. 20, 1969:

     However, the pervasive social impact of the premenstrual tension comes from psychological, behavioral change, and this is the time of month that women are likely to be admitted to psychiatric wards.

   • 2006, Corey L.M. Keyes, Sherryl H. Goodman, Women and Depression: A Handbook for the Social, Behavioral, and Biomedical Sciences:

     In 1931, Frank coined the term premenstrual tension, in reference to the cyclical recurrence of tension, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in 15 women during their premenstrual phase.

Usage notes

The phrase premenstrual syndrome, coined in 1953, is preferred in USA and some other countries, possibly because it appears more inclusive.