Case report, 1998
How should doctors approach women who come in with premenstrual complaints?
Doctors should recognize that not all women with premenstrual complaints have PMS as formally defined. Many have other medical, psychiatric or social problems contributing to their symptoms.
What they did
Description of a practical model to help doctors systematically assess women with premenstrual complaints.
What they found
The model identifies four levels of factors that can contribute to premenstrual complaints. The first is the menstrual cycle itself, causing mood changes, breast tenderness and bloating. The second is other medical or psychiatric conditions. The third is social factors like relationships and work. The fourth is how the woman interprets and makes sense of her symptoms.
What it means for you
A systematic approach helps doctors understand that premenstrual complaints are complex and may involve factors beyond the menstrual cycle. Proper treatment requires identifying these different contributing factors. The main limit is that this is a framework description, not evidence from testing whether the approach improves outcomes.
About the study
- Original title
- A comprehensive approach to premenstrual complaints
- Authors
- Vanselow W
- Journal
- Australian family physician
- Year
- 1998
- Study design
- Case report
- What was tested
- None (this is a diagnostic framework, not a treatment test).
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9612999/
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2026
Does stress affect premenstrual symptoms in female athletes, and can coping strategies help?
Study, 2026
What coping strategies help women manage PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 2026
Is academic stress linked to PMS severity in university students?
Study, 2026
What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Systematic review, 2026
What life experiences and personal factors influence how severe PMS is?
Survey study, 2026
Is self-compassion linked to PMS symptoms?