Cohort study, 2006
Does family history of alcoholism affect PMS and drinking patterns?
Women with family history of alcoholism increased drinking before their period more than others, yet had fewer PMS symptoms. The study was small but suggests family history may influence how drinking patterns relate to PMS.
What they did
A cohort study where 46 women with PMS, mostly white (17 with family history of alcoholism), tracked their daily alcohol consumption and PMS symptoms for 3 consecutive months.
What they found
Women with family history increased drinking by 2.78 drinks per week before their period, while those without decreased it by 0.72 drinks per week. In women without family history, premenstrual alcohol use was linked to bloating, alcohol cravings, food cravings, and low energy; this link wasn't found in those with family history.
What it means for you
Family history of alcoholism may influence how women's drinking changes during their cycle. However, the sample was small and mostly white, limiting how widely results apply.
46
women with PMS
37%
with family history of alcoholism
2.78
drinks/week increase (family history group)
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual symptomatology, alcohol consumption, and family history of alcoholism in women with premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Svikis DS, Miles DR, Haug NA et al.
- Journal
- Journal of studies on alcohol
- Year
- 2006
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 46
- What was tested
- None; daily tracking of natural behavior
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.15288/jsa.2006.67.833
Topics
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