Non-randomised trial, 1988
What medical history factors affect how severe PMS symptoms are?
Family history of PMS, low exercise, younger age, and having more children explained about a third of the differences in symptom severity between women. The study was small and uncontrolled, so we cannot be confident these are the only factors.
What they did
60 women with moderate to severe PMS symptoms were monitored daily for 2 untreated cycles and 2 placebo cycles. Researchers used statistical analysis to identify which factors predicted worse symptoms.
What they found
Four factors explained 34% of differences in symptom severity: PMS in the patient's mother, low level of exercise, younger age, and having more children.
What it means for you
Family and lifestyle factors may play a role in PMS severity. This study was the first to identify these particular relationships. However, the sample was small and there was no control group, so findings need confirmation in larger studies.
60
women studied
34%
variance in symptom severity explained
4
medical history factors identified
About the study
- Original title
- Effects of medical history factors on symptom severity in women meeting criteria for premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Freeman EW, Sondheimer SJ, Rickels K
- Journal
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Year
- 1988
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 60
- What was tested
- None (observation only)
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3134629/
Topics
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