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Case-control study, 2007

Is history of adolescent abuse associated with PMS in adulthood?

Yes. Women who experienced physical or sexual abuse in adolescence had significantly more PMS in adulthood, and their symptoms were more severe with more depression and mood problems.

Moderate study design 568 women from a community sample (35% from underrepresented ethnicities)

What they did

Researchers analyzed data from a long-term community study of 568 women (35% from underrepresented ethnicities). They examined whether women with a history of adolescent physical and/or sexual abuse developed PMS in adulthood compared to those without such history.

What they found

History of both adolescent physical abuse and sexual abuse was significantly associated with PMS in adulthood. Women with a history of adolescent physical and sexual abuse had significantly more severe PMS patterns with more dysphoria (low mood) than women without abuse.

What it means for you

Trauma in adolescence may increase the risk of developing PMS later in life. However, it is unclear whether abuse directly causes PMS or affects how women experience and report symptoms. The study analyzed existing data, which may have limitations in how PMS was originally measured.

568

women in the study

35%

from underrepresented ethnicities

About the study

Original title
Relationship of adolescent physical and sexual abuse to perimenstrual symptoms (PMS) in adulthood
Authors
Koci A, Strickland O
Journal
Issues in mental health nursing
Year
2007
Study design
Case-control study
Participants
568
What was tested
Observational comparison of PMS in women with and without abuse history

Topics