Study, 2007

How common are premenstrual symptoms and painful periods among Muslim women in Nigeria?

In this group, premenstrual symptoms were present in 23.8% of women, with breast pain the most common symptom, and painful periods were present in 36.4%.

Early or limited evidence 200 Muslim women interviewed at two hospitals in Zaria, Nigeria

What they did

Researchers interviewed 200 Muslim women at two hospitals in Zaria, Nigeria, between August and October 2003, asking about their premenstrual and menstrual symptoms.

What they found

Premenstrual symptoms were present in 23.8% of the women, and breast pain was the commonest symptom, affecting 50% of those with symptoms. Of the women who needed medication for premenstrual symptoms, 29.8% treated themselves rather than seeing a doctor. Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea) were present in 36.4% of women. Women with fewer previous pregnancies, those who had used or were using contraception, and those with painful periods were more likely to have premenstrual symptoms. Women who were younger or had fewer previous pregnancies were more likely to have painful periods.

What it means for you

Premenstrual symptoms and painful periods often occur together in this group, so care that addresses both at once may help. The study only looked at Muslim women in one city in Nigeria, so the results may not apply to other groups or places, and it did not test any treatment.

23.8%

had premenstrual symptoms

50%

of those had breast pain, the most common symptom

36.4%

had painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)

About the study

Original title: Premenstrual symptoms and dysmenorrhoea among Muslim women in Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: Sule ST, Umar HS, Madugu NH
Journal: Annals of African medicine
Year: 2007
Study design: Study
What was tested: None, this was an observational interview study
Read the paper: doi.org/10.4103/1596-3519.55713

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