Survey study, 1987
How common are premenstrual symptoms in the community?
Very common, ranging from 39 percent for breast swelling to 81 percent for weight gain. Socioeconomic status, race, and breast disease history were linked to more symptoms.
What they did
520 Connecticut women reported on selected premenstrual symptoms and their demographic, reproductive, contraceptive, and medical characteristics.
What they found
Premenstrual symptoms ranged from 39% for breast swelling to 81% for weight gain. Lower socioeconomic status, certain racial groups, history of benign breast disease, larger bra cup size, and history of abortion were associated with premenstrual symptoms.
What it means for you
Premenstrual symptoms are very common in community samples. The main limitation is that only Connecticut women were studied, so results may not apply to women in other areas.
520
Connecticut women
39%
with breast swelling
81%
with weight gain
About the study
- Original title
- Epidemiology of premenstrual symptoms
- Authors
- Boyle CA, Berkowitz GS, Kelsey JL
- Journal
- American journal of public health
- Year
- 1987
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 520
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.2105/ajph.77.3.349
Topics
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