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Survey study, 1995

How common are PMS and premenstrual symptoms?

About 7.7% of women met the strict diagnosis for PMS, but 42.4% had some premenstrual symptoms. Age, oral contraceptive use, and life circumstances affected whether women had symptoms.

Early or limited evidence 491 hospital staff women with regular periods

What they did

Survey of female hospital staff who reported on 29 physical and psychological symptoms.

What they found

Among women with regular periods, 7.7% were diagnosed with PMS and 42.4% had at least some premenstrual symptoms. Age and use of oral contraceptives significantly affected whether women had symptoms. A woman's social and family background also influenced how often and how severe the symptoms were.

What it means for you

More women experience some premenstrual symptoms than meet the strict PMS diagnosis. Your life circumstances and relationships appear to matter. Some oral contraceptive pills may help reduce PMS symptoms.

7.7%

Diagnosed with PMS

42.4%

With some premenstrual symptoms

About the study

Original title
-Assessment of the prevalence of pre- and perimenstrual symptoms in female personnel of a university clinic-
Authors
Gaulrapp K, Backe J, Steck T
Journal
Gynakologisch-geburtshilfliche Rundschau
Year
1995
Study design
Survey study
Participants
1,535

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