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Study, 1986

What are the typical symptoms of PMS and who gets it?

The most common symptoms are irritability, depression, and abdominal bloating. PMS is found across women of different ages and life situations.

Early or limited evidence 100 women who attended PMS clinics in Cape Town.

What they did

100 women who attended premenstrual syndrome clinics were analyzed. Researchers recorded their symptoms, age, marital status, whether they had had children, employment status, and whether their periods were regular.

What they found

The most common symptoms were irritability, depression, and abdominal bloating. 70% of the women were employed or were full-time students. 72% had a regular menstrual pattern. Whether women had PMS did not relate to their age, marital status, or whether they had had children.

What it means for you

PMS affects women in many different life situations and at different ages. One limitation is this looked only at women who attended clinics, which may not represent all women with PMS.

100

women analyzed

70%

employed or full-time students

72%

had regular menstrual pattern

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual syndrome in Cape Town. Part I. An analysis of 100 consecutive patients
Authors
Gunston KD
Journal
South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
Year
1986
Study design
Study
What was tested
None.

Topics