---
title: Are women with PMS more likely to have alcohol abuse problems?
description: Yes. Women seeking treatment for PMS had much higher rates of alcohol abuse (21%) compared to women coming for regular checkups (12%).
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/alcohol-abuse-in-women-seeking-gynecologic-care-1986/
---

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- Are women with PMS more likely to have alcohol abuse problems?

Survey study, 1986

# Are women with PMS more likely to have alcohol abuse problems?

Yes. Women seeking treatment for PMS had much higher rates of alcohol abuse (21%) compared to women coming for regular checkups (12%).

 Early or limited evidence

147 women seeking regular gynecologic care and 95 women with PMS from private practices

## What they did

Two groups of women from private gynecology practices were screened using CAGE questions about drinking habits. Those who answered yes to one or more questions were evaluated further for alcohol abuse.

## What they found

In women seeking regular care, 33% screened positive on CAGE questions and 12% met criteria for alcohol abuse. In women with PMS, 51% screened positive and 21% met criteria for alcohol abuse.

## What it means for you

Alcohol problems are common in gynecology and much more common in women with PMS. We don't know if PMS leads to drinking, drinking makes PMS worse, or both are linked to something else. The study was limited to private practices.

21%

alcohol abuse in PMS group

12%

alcohol abuse in regular care group

51%

CAGE positive in PMS group

## About the study

Original title Alcohol abuse in women seeking gynecologic care Authors Halliday A, Bush B, Cleary P et al. Journal Obstetrics and gynecology Year 1986 Study design Survey study Participants 147 What was tested screening (CAGE questions) Read the paper [doi.org/10.1097/00006250-198609000-00006](https://doi.org/10.1097/00006250-198609000-00006)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Alcohol, smoking and substance use](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-substance-use/)

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Case-control study, 2016

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