---
title: Is there a link between attitudes toward menstruation and PMS symptoms?
description: Women with PMS symptoms were more likely to see menstruation as debilitating. This shows correlation but does not prove that attitudes cause worse symptoms.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-and-attitudes-toward-menstruation-in-a-sample-of-nursing-2012/
---

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- Is there a link between attitudes toward menstruation and PMS symptoms?

Survey study, 2012

# Is there a link between attitudes toward menstruation and PMS symptoms?

Women with PMS symptoms were more likely to see menstruation as debilitating. This shows correlation but does not prove that attitudes cause worse symptoms.

 Early or limited evidence

250 nursing students in Ankara Turkey, average age 19.89 years

## What they did

A cross-sectional survey conducted in Ankara Turkey from February 15 to March 10, 2009, with 250 nursing student volunteers. Students completed questionnaires about attitudes toward menstruation and PMS symptoms.

## What they found

36.4% of students had PMS symptoms. Students with PMS scored significantly higher on the debilitation subscale and significantly lower on the denial subscale of the menstrual attitudes questionnaire. 31% reported dysmenorrhea during every menstrual cycle.

## What it means for you

Women with PMS tend to view menstruation as more debilitating. However, we cannot tell whether negative attitudes cause or result from PMS symptoms. The study was small, limited to nursing students in one city, and may not represent all women.

250

nursing students

36.4%

with PMS symptoms

31%

with dysmenorrhea every cycle

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual syndrome and attitudes toward menstruation in a sample of nursing students Authors Guvenc G, Kilic A, Akyuz A et al. Journal Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology Year 2012 Study design Survey study Participants 250 What was tested None (observational study) Read the paper [doi.org/10.3109/0167482x.2012.685906](https://doi.org/10.3109/0167482x.2012.685906)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/)[Stigma, attitudes and culture](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-stigma-culture/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

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