Survey study, 2010
Do women with PMDD have similar pain and symptoms to women with fibromyalgia?
Women with PMDD had significantly more pain, tenderness, mental health problems, and lower quality of life than control women. The study was small and used medical staff as controls, which may not be representative.
What they did
30 women with PMDD and 26 control women from medical staff completed detailed questionnaires and physical exams. They were assessed for pain, tenderness, sleep, fatigue, disability, quality of life, and mental health conditions.
What they found
Women with PMDD scored significantly higher on pain and tenderness. 16 of 30 PMDD women had a psychiatric condition compared to only 3 of 26 control women. 5 women in the PMDD group had fibromyalgia, but none in the control group. Quality of life was significantly lower in the PMDD group.
What it means for you
PMDD is associated with more pain, more mental health conditions, and lower quality of life. The study was small and used medical staff as controls rather than a random sample, limiting how well results apply to all women.
30 vs 26
women with PMDD and control group
16 of 30
PMDD women with psychiatric conditions
5
PMDD women with fibromyalgia
About the study
- Original title
- The premenstrual syndrome and fibromyalgia--similarities and common features
- Authors
- Amital D, Herskovitz C, Fostick L et al.
- Journal
- Clinical reviews in allergy & immunology
- Year
- 2010
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 30
- What was tested
- None (comparison study)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s12016-009-8143-0
Topics
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