Cohort study, 2026
How do premenstrual symptoms change after pregnancy, and what predicts worse symptoms?
Premenstrual symptoms increase modestly after childbirth. Postpartum depression and severe period pain are linked to higher symptom scores.
What they did
821 women recruited postpartum at two hospitals in China; 329 completed follow-up after menstrual resumption. Premenstrual symptoms and mood were assessed.
What they found
The median symptom score increased from 5.00 to 6.00 (P = 0.002), and the median number of endorsed symptoms increased from 4.00 to 6.00 (P = 0.007). 67.8% of women had similar symptom patterns before and after, while 21.3% moved to higher-symptom patterns and 10.9% moved to lower-symptom patterns. Each 1-point increase in postpartum depression score was associated with 0.52-point higher symptom score. Severe period pain affecting daily life was associated with 2.77-point higher symptom score.
What it means for you
Symptoms typically increase after childbirth, especially in women with postpartum depression or severe period pain. Doctors can use these factors to identify women at higher risk. The main limitation is that only 329 of the original 821 women completed follow-up after menstrual resumption.
821
women recruited postpartum
329
women with follow-up data
5 to 6
median symptom score increase
About the study
- Original title
- Changes and heterogeneity in premenstrual symptom burden after postpartum menstrual resumption: A cohort study in China
- Authors
- Ma Y, Wang Y, Xin X et al.
- Journal
- Journal of affective disorders
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 821
- What was tested
- None; observational follow-up study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2026.122446
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2015
Which screening tool is best for diagnosing PMDD and menstrual-related psychiatric conditions?
Systematic review, 2025
How common are PMS, PMDD, and painful periods in nursing students, and do they affect their schooling?
Survey study, 2022
What causes PMS and PMDD and what new treatments are being studied?
Survey study, 2026
Are menstrual characteristics linked to depression and anxiety in teenage girls?
Survey study, 2026
Does exercise help college women with period problems and mental health?
Survey study, 2026
Does fear of childbirth explain why women with PMS are more likely to develop postpartum depression?