Review, 2000
Do common diseases get worse before a woman's period?
Yes. A significant number of women with asthma, arthritis, migraine, diabetes, depression, or epilepsy report that their symptoms get worse before their period, though doctors do not yet fully understand why.
What they did
This is a literature review article examining how disease symptoms change across the menstrual cycle in six common conditions. It recommends women use a menstrual calendar to track symptoms for 2 to 3 cycles.
What they found
Women with asthma, arthritis, migraine, diabetes, depression, and epilepsy often experience worsening symptoms premenstrually. Women visit physicians more frequently and report physical symptoms at higher rates than men. If cyclic patterns are found, women may try to avoid triggers or use medication adjusted to their cycle.
What it means for you
If you have one of these six conditions and notice symptoms get worse before your period, tracking your symptoms is a simple first step. However, this review does not specify how many women are affected or provide evidence about specific treatments for these worsening symptoms.
2 to 3
Number of menstrual cycles to track symptoms
6
Diseases reviewed for menstrual cycle-related changes
About the study
- Original title
- Gender-based differences and menstrual cycle-related changes in specific diseases: implications for pharmacotherapy
- Authors
- Ensom MH
- Journal
- Pharmacotherapy
- Year
- 2000
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- Symptom tracking and possible medication timing; GnRH analogues for severe cases
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1592/phco.20.6.523.35161
Topics
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