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Study, 2015

Where does swelling occur in women with premenstrual syndrome?

Most women with PMS experience swelling in the face, breasts, abdomen, and limbs during the premenstrual period. Irritability, swelling, and anxiety were the most common symptoms.

Moderate study design 60 women, average age about 24.6 years

What they did

Sixty women with an average age of about 24.6 years were measured during their premenstrual days (21-28) and menstrual days (1-3). Researchers measured body mass, height, fat distribution, and measurements of the face, breasts, and limbs, and asked about symptoms using a standardized tool.

What they found

Premenstrual syndrome was found in 91.7% of the women. The most frequent symptoms were irritability (73.33%), swelling (65%), and anxiety (58.3%). Swelling was detected in multiple areas: the face, breasts, abdomen, pubic area, upper limbs, and lower limbs.

What it means for you

Most young women with PMS experience irritability and swelling as their main symptoms, with swelling appearing in the face, breasts, abdomen, and limbs. This could help physiotherapists target treatment to specific areas. The study was small and included only young women in one country.

91.7%

women with premenstrual syndrome

73.33%

experienced irritability

65%

experienced swelling

About the study

Original title
Characterization of symptoms and edema distribution in premenstrual syndrome
Authors
Tacani PM, Ribeiro Dde O, Barros Guimarães BE et al.
Journal
International journal of women's health
Year
2015
Study design
Study
What was tested
None
Open access
Yes

Topics