Cohort study, 1993
Are premenstrual symptoms linked to emotional distress in teenage girls?
Yes. Girls with premenstrual symptoms had significantly more emotional distress than those without, but period pain alone was not linked to emotional distress.
What they did
One hundred sixty-five girls aged 15 to 19 completed questionnaires about premenstrual symptoms, period pain, and emotional distress. Some were measured again 2 years later to track changes.
What they found
Premenstrual symptoms correlated with period pain (r=0.54, p<0.0001). Girls with premenstrual symptoms had significantly more emotional distress than normal girls. Period pain had no relationship with emotional distress. Emotional distress scores declined over 2 years in healthy girls but not in those with premenstrual symptoms.
What it means for you
Teenage girls with premenstrual symptoms may experience broader emotional distress, not just physical symptoms. It is unclear whether emotional distress causes or results from premenstrual symptoms. The study was limited to teenagers in one setting.
165
girls studied
r=0.54, p<0.0001
correlation between PMS and period pain
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual symptoms and dysmenorrhea in relation to emotional distress factors in adolescents
- Authors
- Freeman EW, Rickels K, Sondheimer SJ
- Journal
- Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology
- Year
- 1993
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 165
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3109/01674829309084429
Topics
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