A new study can answer why some cat ladies are commonly portrayed as crazy individuals, at least in the internet. Moreover, researchers suggest that cats may be causing severe symptoms of PMS in women.
Researchers discovered that Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite commonly found in feces of cats, cat actually worsen the symptoms of Post Menstrual Syndrome (PMS). PMS usually happens 1 to 2 weeks prior to the start of monthly bleeding. Other possible causes of heightened symptoms of PMS include hormones, neurotransmitters problems and hormones.
More than 100 individuals suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD) were examined in the study revealing that 7 percent were infected with T. gondii. PDD is a condition wherein women show excessive irritability, tension and depression. Similarly, people with T. gondii infection also feel anxiety, depression, fatigue, headaches, muscle pain and may show aggression and difficulty in concentrating.
The researchers observed that those who tested positive showed worse symptoms of PMS than those who do not have the infection. They added that only a few of those who were infected manifested concentration problem while majority reported that they feel out of control and overwhelmed.
"Results of this first study on the association of T. gondii infection and clinical characteristics of premenstrual dysphoric disorder suggest that this infection might be linked to some symptoms of this disorder," researchers from Juarez University of Durango State, Mexico said.
Despite these, researchers clarified that abandoning pet cats is not the solution. Instead, female cat owners are advised to wear gloves during litter box clean up and thoroughly wash hands after. It is also advised to clean fresh vegetables and fruits from possibly contaminated soil and avoid eating undercooked meat. Owners of feline companions may visit a doctor for a simple blood test that will diagnose the presence of the parasite.
The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine Research.