Survey study, 1975

Are psychological factors linked to menstrual symptoms?

Psychological factors were linked to some menstrual symptoms like pain and mood changes, but not to others like water retention. The sample was small and the study is from 1975.

Early or limited evidence 60 undergraduate women

What they did

Cross-sectional study. 60 undergraduate women completed the MMPI (a psychological test) and Moos' Menstrual Distress Questionnaire. Researchers looked at how psychology scores related to their menstrual and premenstrual symptom reports, controlling for baseline symptoms.

What they found

Psychological variables correlated with premenstrual pain, negative affect, and menstrual behavior change, but not with water retention or arousal. The MMPI scales most involved were Sc, Hs, Hy, and Pt.

What it means for you

This suggests mood and psychology may play a bigger role in some PMS symptoms like pain and mood than in others like bloating. However, the study is old and small, and we do not know if these patterns hold today.

women

MMPI scales most involved

About the study

Original title: MMPI correlates of menstrual distress
Authors: Gruba GH, Rohrbaugh M
Journal: Psychosomatic medicine
Year: 1975
Study design: Survey study
Participants: 60
What was tested: None. Measured relationship between psychology scores and existing symptoms.
Read the paper: doi.org/10.1097/00006842-197505000-00004

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