Cohort study, 1993

Do premenstrual changes run in families?

In this study of 80 pairs of sisters, premenstrual changes did not cluster within families based on either daily tracking or retrospective reports. This contradicts some earlier research.

Moderate study design 80 pairs of sisters

What they did

Eighty pairs of sisters completed both a retrospective checklist (Premenstrual Assessment Form) and a prospective daily record (Daily Ratings Form). Both measured physical, behavioral and mood changes during the premenstrual phase.

What they found

Sisters were not concordant for premenstrual changes on either the retrospective measure or the daily measure.

What it means for you

PMS may not run in families in the way earlier research suggested, but this study only examined whether sisters had similar symptoms. It does not rule out genetic factors or environmental influences.

pairs of sisters studied

About the study

Original title: Premenstrual changes: are they familial?
Authors: Glick H, Endicott J, Nee J
Journal: Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica
Year: 1993
Study design: Cohort study
Participants: 80
What was tested: None
Read the paper: doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.1993.tb03430.x

Topics

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Menstrual cycle and mood Major depressive disorder

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