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Survey study, 1991

Are women with PMS less satisfied with their relationships?

Yes, women with PMS reported significantly more dissatisfaction with their marriages and sexual relationships than women without PMS. The study found no effect of age on this difference.

Early or limited evidence 26 women with PMS and 26 women without PMS, clients of a nurse practitioner

What they did

26 women with PMS and 26 women without PMS, all clients of a nurse practitioner, completed three questionnaires measuring their satisfaction with marriage, sexual relationships, and family relationships.

What they found

Women with PMS reported statistically significant dissatisfaction with marital and sexual relationships compared to non-PMS women. No effects related to age were found.

What it means for you

Women with PMS may experience more relationship difficulties, though the study cannot show whether PMS causes relationship problems or relationship stress makes PMS worse. The main limitations are the small sample and that participants were only women who sought treatment.

26

women with PMS

26

women without PMS

3

questionnaires about relationships

About the study

Original title
Dispelling myths: a study of PMS and relationship satisfaction
Authors
Winter EJ, Ashton DJ, Moore DL
Journal
The Nurse practitioner
Year
1991
Study design
Survey study
What was tested
None (observational comparison)

Topics