Cohort study, 2002
What are the best ways to measure menstrual cycle symptoms?
Researchers and clinicians can use either questionnaires asking about past symptoms or daily diaries. Many modern tools build on two foundational questionnaires: the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire and Premenstrual Assessment Form, each with different strengths and weaknesses.
What they did
Review of measurement tools for menstrual cycle symptoms, describing retrospective questionnaires (rating symptoms from memory) and prospective daily diaries. Examined how measures were developed, their psychometric properties, strengths, and weaknesses.
What they found
Many modern menstrual symptom measures build on the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire and Premenstrual Assessment Form. Methods vary between asking people to remember symptoms versus recording them daily. The review provides recommendations for researchers and clinicians choosing measurement approaches.
What it means for you
Choose symptom measurement methods based on your needs: daily detail requires prospective diaries, while overall rating requires retrospective questionnaires. Different measures have different psychometric properties and practical strengths. The review has limitations as a narrative rather than formal systematic review.
2
foundational questionnaires
About the study
- Original title
- Assessing the assessment measures for menstrual cycle symptoms: a guide for researchers and clinicians
- Authors
- Haywood A, Slade P, King H
- Journal
- Journal of psychosomatic research
- Year
- 2002
- Study design
- Cohort study
- What was tested
- None (review article)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0022-3999(02)00297-0