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Study, 1988

Do menstrual and premenstrual symptoms differ between women from different ethnic groups?

Yes. 69% reported premenstrual symptoms and 50.8% reported menstrual symptoms. The type of symptoms varied by ethnic group, with some women mainly reporting physical symptoms and others mainly psychological or behavioral symptoms.

Early or limited evidence 152 women from different ethnic groups in Australia

What they did

152 women from different ethnic groups in Australia were asked about their symptoms during the menstrual cycle.

What they found

69% reported premenstrual symptoms and 50.8% reported menstrual symptoms. Physical complaints ranged from 37% to 73% between ethnic groups. Turkish, Greek and Vietnamese women mainly reported physical symptoms, while 60% of Australian women and 53% of Italian women reported psychological or behavioral symptoms.

What it means for you

How women experience menstrual and premenstrual symptoms depends on their cultural or ethnic background. The study only included women in Australia, so findings may not apply to other populations.

152

women studied

69%

reported premenstrual symptoms

50.8%

reported menstrual symptoms

About the study

Original title
Menstrual cycle related complaints: A cross-cultural study
Authors
Miriam Hasin, Lorraine Dennerstein, Gordon H. Gotts
Journal
Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology
Year
1988
Study design
Study
What was tested
none

Topics