Survey study, 1986
How much do premenstrual symptoms interfere with women's daily activities?
Significantly. In a survey of 219 women, 76% reported premenstrual symptoms severe enough to interfere with daily activities every month. Relationships with family and friends were affected most, and work affected least.
What they did
Researchers gave questionnaires to 219 women at two family practice clinics. The questions asked about the nature and severity of premenstrual symptoms, how much they affected daily activities, what treatments women used, and whether they had discussed symptoms with their doctor.
What they found
Of 219 women, 76% reported symptoms severe enough to interfere with daily activities every month. Relationships with family and friends were the activity most affected, while work was affected least. Only 14% of women had discussed symptoms with their physician. 58% of women with symptoms took medication, mostly over-the-counter. 69% believed they had PMS. Women's perception of how much their mothers' activities were affected by premenstrual symptoms was significantly related to their own incapacitation.
What it means for you
Most women with premenstrual symptoms feel their relationships are significantly affected, but most do not talk to their doctor about it. Family history and beliefs appear to matter. The main limitation is that diagnoses are based on what women believe and report, not clinical diagnosis.
219
women surveyed
76%
had interfering symptoms every month
14%
discussed symptoms with physician
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual symptoms and associated morbidity in a family practice setting
- Authors
- Tippy PK, Falvo DR, Smaga SA
- Journal
- Family practice research journal
- Year
- 1986
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 219
- What was tested
- Observational survey only, no treatment tested
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3455115/
Topics
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