Survey study, 1982
What percentage of women have premenstrual tension symptoms?
Half the women in the study had at least one type of premenstrual tension symptom. Anxiety and mood changes, and swelling and bloating, were the most common types.
What they did
A questionnaire about 19 premenstrual symptoms was given to 1,395 women visiting a gynecology clinic who were not using hormonal contraceptives. The symptoms were grouped into four types.
What they found
702 out of 1,395 women (50%) reported at least one type of premenstrual tension symptom. In women in their 20s, 60% had symptoms. The most common types were anxiety and mood changes, and swelling and bloating. Depression, forgetfulness and crying together occurred in only 12 women by itself.
What it means for you
Half of women in a gynecology clinic experience premenstrual symptoms. The study was done in one clinic in 1982 and women were assessed only once, so we don't know how common these are more broadly or how they vary across cycles.
50%
of women with at least one symptom type
60%
in women in their 20s
12
with depression symptoms alone
About the study
- Original title
- The incidence of premenstrual tension in a gynecologic clinic
- Authors
- Hargrove JT, Abraham GE
- Journal
- The Journal of reproductive medicine
- Year
- 1982
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 1,395
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6891720/
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2016
Do hormonal contraceptives reduce PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 2026
How common is PMDD in Russian medical students, and what are its symptoms?
Study, 2022
What are the symptoms, causes, and treatments of PMS and PMDD?
Systematic review, 2026
Does vitamin D supplementation help PMS symptoms?
Randomised trial, 2011
Does a birth control pill reduce negative emotions, food cravings, and water retention in women with PMDD?
Randomised trial, 2004
Which low-dose birth control pill has better cycle control and fewer side effects?