Alexandra Robinson’s scientific contributions

There are two prominent models, a bio-medical model and a cultural-feminist model, which provide an explana tion for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). The bio-medical explanations of PMS have focused on the possible hormonal, dietary, and psychosomatic basis for PMS. Feminist and social science models posit that PMS is a culture-bo und syndrome that has emerged as a means of rejecting the unrealistic expectations of women in Western society. Feminists argue this expression of resistance is largely ineffective because women's complaints are medical ized and thus can easily be ignored. In my research, I questioned whether PMS could empower some women at certai n times or with certain people. My study of Illinois State University women's understandings of PMS, and how they respond to their own and others' PMS experiences, reveals that for some women PMS provides an effective spa ce to express resistance and to make demands.