Survey study, 2010
How much do premenstrual symptoms stop women from doing everyday activities?
Significantly. More than one third of women could not do their normal activities, chores or work as much as they wanted. Both physical and mental symptoms affected daily life equally.
What they did
4,085 women aged 14-50 in eight countries answered a phone survey about 23 premenstrual symptoms and how much they affected everyday activities, chores, work and leisure.
What they found
2,638 women (64.6%) had minimal impact on daily activities. 981 (24%) had moderate impact. 454 (11.1%) had severe impact. Overall 35% were moderately or severely affected. Symptom severity was the main thing affecting daily life.
What it means for you
Premenstrual symptoms significantly disrupt everyday life for about one third of women. This shows the impact is real and affects daily activities, work and leisure. The study included eight countries, suggesting findings may apply widely.
64.6%
minimally affected in daily life
24%
moderately affected
35%
moderately or severely affected overall
About the study
- Original title
- The effect of premenstrual symptoms on activities of daily life
- Authors
- Dennerstein L, Lehert P, Bäckström TC et al.
- Journal
- Fertility and sterility
- Year
- 2010
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 4,085
- What was tested
- None
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.04.023
Topics
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