Survey study, 2023
What factors make some women more likely to have PMS or PMDD?
Several factors were linked to higher risk of PMS or PMDD: negative Rh blood type, depression, and drinking caffeine more than three times a week. Women who had their first period at a later age had lower risk.
What they did
Researchers followed 302 female medical students aged 18 to 45 for at least two menstrual cycles. They asked about their background, lifestyle, and symptoms using questionnaires and daily tracking, then used a scoring system to diagnose PMS or PMDD.
What they found
35 students (11.6%) met the diagnosis of PMS or PMDD. Those with negative Rh blood type were much more likely to have PMS or PMDD. Those with depression were also much more likely. Women who had their first period at a later age were less likely to have the condition. Drinking caffeine more than three times a week was linked to higher risk.
What it means for you
Blood type, depression, caffeine use, and age at first period may be linked to PMS and PMDD risk. The study was done with medical students in one location, so results may not apply to all women.
35 out of 302
students with PMS or PMDD
11.6%
percentage with diagnosis
About the study
- Original title
- Associated factors with Premenstrual syndrome and Premenstrual dysphoric disorder among female medical students: A cross-sectional study
- Authors
- Dinh Trieu Ngo V, Bui LP, Hoang LB et al.
- Journal
- PloS one
- Year
- 2023
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 302
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0278702
Original abstract
Aim: The study aimed to determine potential risk factors associated with Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Methods: Three hundred two female student participants who were 18-45 years old completed a questionnaire including demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and a Vietnamese Premenstrual Syndrome Screening Tool. We then followed up participants during at least two menstrual cycles using the Daily Record of Severity of Problems. The Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder diagnosis was established using The Carolina Premenstrual Assessment Scoring System, based on the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Results: According to the Carolina Premenstrual Assessment Scoring System, 35 out of 302 students (11.6%; 95%CI: 8.2-15.7%) met the diagnosis of PMS (31 students) or PMDD (4 students). We found that age at menarche (PR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.63-0.96), having negative Rh blood type (PR = 4.43, 95%CI: 1.95 to 10.08), being moderately depressed or higher (PR = 2.81, 95%CI: 1.24 to 6.36), and consuming caffeine more than three times per week were statistically associated with having Premenstrual Syndrome or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder after adjusting for other variables. Conclusion: The prominent risk factors for Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder were negative Rhesus blood type, menarche age, caffeine consumption, and self-reported depression.
Reproduced under CC-BY.
Topics
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