Survey study, 2011
Do smoking habits affect premenstrual and menstrual symptoms?
Smokers had significantly more severe premenstrual and menstrual symptoms than non-smokers, especially pain, concentration problems, water retention, and mood changes. Worse symptoms were linked to higher nicotine dependence.
What they did
Cross-sectional study of 785 young adult Japanese women (71 smokers, 29 quitters, 685 non-smokers, most smoking 20 or fewer cigarettes per day). Participants completed questionnaires on menstrual symptoms and tests measuring nicotine dependence and reasons for smoking.
What they found
Smoking affected menstrual cycle timing but not duration. Smokers reported significantly more severe premenstrual symptoms in five areas: pain, concentration, water retention, behavior changes, and negative affect. Premenstrual symptoms were more severe than menstrual symptoms in smokers. Overall scores during premenstrual phase were significantly correlated with nicotine dependence and smoking motives.
What it means for you
Light smoking is associated with worse PMS symptoms, and the association is stronger with higher nicotine dependence. This is a cross-sectional study, so it cannot prove smoking causes worse symptoms. Findings apply to young adult Japanese women specifically.
785
total participants
71
smokers
685
non-smokers
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual and menstrual symptomatology in young adult Japanese females who smoke tobacco
- Authors
- Sakai H, Kawamura C, Cardenas X et al.
- Journal
- The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research
- Year
- 2011
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 785
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0756.2010.01353.x
Topics
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