Survey study, 1999
How common is PMS in young women and teenagers?
Very few young women met strict medical criteria for PMS, but many experienced premenstrual symptoms that significantly affected their daily lives and well-being. Many women had symptoms not formally diagnosed as PMS but still needed attention.
What they did
Researchers interviewed 180 young women aged 17 to 25 using the American Psychiatric Association diagnostic criteria for PMS. They asked about symptoms and how the symptoms affected the women's well-being and daily activities.
What they found
Using strict diagnostic criteria, only a few women were diagnosed with PMS. However, most women experienced premenstrual symptoms that had considerable effects on their lives and behavior. Many also had pain and other symptoms that were not diagnosed as PMS but that affected them.
What it means for you
The strict medical definition of PMS may not capture all women suffering from premenstrual symptoms. This suggests that women with significant symptoms need support and attention even if they don't meet all the technical criteria. The study was limited to a specific region in Poland.
180
women surveyed
17-25
age range in years
About the study
- Original title
- [The premenstrual syndrome frequency and the intensity of its symptoms in young women and teenagers living in the Upper Silesian Industrial region]
- Authors
- Ciszek-Doniec V, Poreba R, Zogała K et al.
- Journal
- Ginekologia polska
- Year
- 1999
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 180
- What was tested
- None; questionnaire survey
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10462990/
Topics
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