Study, 1990
Do men notice premenstrual changes in women?
Yes. 99 college men said they believe women experience premenstrual changes including mood swings, hostility, low self-esteem, physical discomfort, and behavioral changes.
What they did
Researchers asked 99 undergraduate men whether they believed women experienced different feelings and behaviors during the premenstrual part of the cycle. They asked about 18 possible changes on a symptom form.
What they found
The men said yes, they perceive premenstrual changes in women. They identified mood swings, hostility, low self-esteem, physical discomfort, and behavioral changes as things they notice.
What it means for you
This shows that partners notice PMS, which means partner support and understanding might be possible. However, this surveyed only college men, so we do not know if older men or men from other backgrounds would respond the same way. The study only asked what men think they perceive, not what actually happens to women's symptoms or behavior.
99
college men surveyed
18
premenstrual changes they were asked about
About the study
- Original title
- Men's perception of premenstrual changes on the premenstrual assessment form
- Authors
- Christensen AP, Oei TP
- Journal
- Psychological reports
- Year
- 1990
- Study design
- Study
- Participants
- 99
- What was tested
- None - survey study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.2466/pr0.1990.66.2.615
Topics
Related studies
Cohort study, 1999
What causes negative mood during menopause?
Study, 2026
What coping strategies help women manage PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 2025
What psychological and personal factors predict which university students will develop premenstrual syndrome?
Survey study, 2025
Does the premenstrual period explain why evening-type sleep patterns cause more sleep schedule mismatch?
Survey study, 2024
Which lifestyle choices affect PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 2024
Does education about PMS help couples' satisfaction and adjustment?