Survey study, 2002
Can a computer program track period symptoms as accurately as traditional methods?
Yes. A computer-based tracking system measured period blood loss, period pain, and PMS symptoms as accurately as traditional paper methods. Most women preferred the computer tool.
What they did
Women aged 18 to 50 with period disorders used both a computer tracking device and traditional paper methods to record blood loss, pain, and PMS symptoms over 2 menstrual cycles. Researchers compared the results.
What they found
The computer device and traditional methods showed high agreement in measuring period blood loss, period pain, and PMS. Most patients preferred the computer device. The device provided instant visual feedback on symptoms.
What it means for you
Using a computer tool to track period symptoms is accurate and patient-friendly. The study only tested whether the measurement tool works accurately, not whether tracking helps improve symptoms.
2
menstrual cycles tracked
About the study
- Original title
- Menstrual symptometrics: a simple computer-aided method to quantify menstrual cycle disorders
- Authors
- Wyatt KM, Dimmock PW, Hayes-Gill B et al.
- Journal
- Fertility and sterility
- Year
- 2002
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- Computer-based symptom tracking device
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0015-0282(02)03161-8
Topics
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