Cohort study, 2010
Which lifestyle factors and contraceptive methods are linked to premenstrual symptoms?
About 1 in 4 women had premenstrual symptoms. Women with higher education and less stress had fewer symptoms. Hormonal birth control was linked with fewer symptoms.
What they did
Researchers surveyed 974 women aged 20-34 in Southampton, UK. Women completed interviews, questionnaires, and kept a daily diary for 6 weeks recording 11 common premenstrual symptoms. Two doctors reviewed the diaries to identify true premenstrual symptoms.
What they found
24% of women had premenstrual symptoms. Women with higher education and lower stress were less likely to have symptoms. Diet, alcohol, exercise, age, smoking, and BMI were not linked to symptoms. Women using hormonal contraceptives had lower rates of symptoms.
What it means for you
Premenstrual symptoms are common. Stress and education level appear to matter, and hormonal birth control may help reduce symptoms. The study is limited because it included only women from one UK city with a 53% response rate and was a snapshot in time rather than tracking people over years.
974
women surveyed
24%
with premenstrual symptoms
0.66
symptom rate ratio for hormonal contraceptive users versus non-users
About the study
- Original title
- Lifestyle factors, hormonal contraception, and premenstrual symptoms: the United Kingdom Southampton Women's Survey
- Authors
- Sadler C, Smith H, Hammond J et al.
- Journal
- Journal of women's health (2002)
- Year
- 2010
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 974
- What was tested
- None. Observational survey of lifestyle factors and contraceptive use.
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2008.1210
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2011
Is premenstrual syndrome related to major depression?
Survey study, 2024
What factors are linked to PMS in school-age girls?
Case-control study, 2008
Does smoking increase the risk of PMS?
Case-control study, 2007
What environmental and hormonal factors affect asthma severity in women?
Cohort study, 2007
Does stress affect menstrual regularity?
Survey study, 2001
What behaviors and factors are linked to breast pain during the menstrual cycle?