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Survey study, 2024

Which lifestyle choices affect PMS symptoms?

Depression was strongly linked to worse PMS symptoms, but exercise and relaxation showed no significant link. However, this was a snapshot survey that cannot prove depression causes PMS.

Moderate study design 400 women aged 15-40 in Al Qassim region, Saudi Arabia

What they did

Researchers surveyed 400 women aged 15-40 online about lifestyle factors including physical activity, relaxation exercises, smoking, and vitamin intake, and asked about PMS symptoms.

What they found

No significant association between physical activity (p=0.489), relaxation exercises (p=0.615), or smoking (p=1) and PMS symptoms. A significant association existed between depression and PMS symptoms (p=0.004). Vitamin intake was significantly associated with more regular menstrual cycles.

What it means for you

Depression appears more important than physical activity or relaxation for PMS symptoms in this population. However, this was a snapshot survey that cannot prove these factors cause PMS. Results are from Saudi Arabia, so findings may not apply to women in other regions.

400

participants

p=0.004

depression and PMS association

p=0.489

physical activity and PMS

About the study

Original title
Awareness of women at reproductive age towards premenstrual syndrome and its association with psychosocial and lifestyle variables in al Qassim region
Authors
Sultanah Aljumayi, Rasha H Almutairi, Deem Tariq Alamr et al.
Journal
International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries
Year
2024
Study design
Survey study
Participants
400
What was tested
None

Topics