Survey study, 2008
How common are menstrual cycle symptoms and how should doctors discuss them?
85% of women experience menstrual cycle changes and up to 40% are bothered by them. Doctors should routinely ask about these symptoms to improve treatment.
What they did
Review and position paper drawing on existing evidence about menstrual cycle symptoms and their treatment. Not a new research study collecting data.
What they found
85% of women experience physical or emotional menstrual cycle changes. Up to 40% are bothered enough to need help. Dysmenorrhea is the most common reason young women miss work. Many treatments exist but women do not discuss symptoms with doctors.
What it means for you
Menstrual symptoms are extremely common and treatable but under-discussed in healthcare. Better doctor-patient communication can improve outcomes and quality of life. Based on existing evidence, not new data.
85%
experience cycle changes
40%
bothered by symptoms
under 30
age of most work absences
About the study
- Original title
- Communicating with women about menstrual cycle symptoms
- Authors
- Ballagh SA, Heyl A
- Journal
- The Journal of reproductive medicine
- Year
- 2008
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- Educational; emphasis on doctor-patient communication about cycle symptoms.
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19097516/
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2008
What are the symptoms and treatment options for menstrual cycle-related problems?
Review, 2015
What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated?
Review, 2008
What medications are FDA-approved for treating PMDD?
Randomised trial, 2001
Do changing reproductive hormones disrupt the body's internal clock and cause mood disorders?
Systematic review, 2024
What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?
Systematic review, 2023
How common are menstrual cycle problems and PMS or PMDD in female athletes?