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Cohort study, 1978

Do women experience more symptoms at certain times in their menstrual cycle?

Yes. A study of 30 healthy young women found symptoms peaked in the first few days of menstruation, with gradual buildup in the days before the period.

Early or limited evidence 30 healthy young Australian women

What they did

30 healthy young Australian women completed questionnaires about physical and psychological symptoms throughout one complete menstrual cycle.

What they found

Maximum symptoms occurred in the first few days of menstruation. Symptom levels gradually rose during the days before menstruation.

What it means for you

This confirms that symptoms follow a pattern in the cycle, peaking around the start of the period. The study is small and from 1978, measuring overall symptom patterns without breaking down specific symptoms separately.

30

women

About the study

Original title
A prospective study of premenstrual tension symptoms in healthy young Australians
Authors
Beumont PJ, Abraham SF, Argall WJ et al.
Journal
The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry
Year
1978
Study design
Cohort study
What was tested
None

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