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Survey study, 1983

What menstrual symptoms do women report?

Women report many different menstrual symptoms that vary widely in type and severity. The symptoms include physical, mood, concentration, and behavior changes.

Early or limited evidence 633 generally healthy university-employed women aged 21 to 44 years

What they did

Researchers surveyed 633 university-employed women aged 21 to 44 years about what menstrual and non-menstrual symptoms they experienced and how severe they were.

What they found

Women reported a wide range in the number of symptoms they experienced and how severe they were. They reported four different types of symptoms: physical (body-related), mood-related, concentration problems, and behavioral changes.

What it means for you

This shows that menstrual symptoms are common and varied among working women. The study looked at women once in time rather than tracking them over months, so it doesn't show how symptoms change within individual cycles.

633

women surveyed

21-44

age range

4

types of symptoms reported

About the study

Original title
Self-reports of menstrual and nonmenstrual symptomatology in university-employed women
Authors
O'Rourke MW
Journal
JOGN nursing; journal of obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal nursing
Year
1983
Study design
Survey study
Participants
633
What was tested
None

Topics