---
title: Is how 'feminine' a woman feels linked to how much she suffers from PMS?
description: The study found a statistically significant link between scoring higher on traditional femininity and reporting more premenstrual distress, but this kind of s
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/constructions-of-femininity-and-experiences-of-menstrual-distress-2003/
---

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- Is how 'feminine' a woman feels linked to how much she suffers from PMS?

Interview study, 2003

# Is how 'feminine' a woman feels linked to how much she suffers from PMS?

The study found a statistically significant link between scoring higher on traditional femininity and reporting more premenstrual distress, but this kind of study cannot prove that one causes the other.

 Early or limited evidence

Women assessed with femininity and menstrual-distress questionnaires plus interviews (sample size and country not stated in the abstract)

## What they did

Researchers combined a survey study and an interview study. They measured women's 'femininity' using a standard personality questionnaire (the Bem Sex Role Inventory) and their premenstrual symptoms using another standard questionnaire (the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire). They also analysed women's own descriptions of their premenstrual experiences.

## What they found

Scores for traditional femininity were statistically significantly correlated with total premenstrual distress scores. In their own words, women described closely watching and monitoring their bodies before their period, and many described a 'PMS self' that felt like a separate identity from their 'real' or non-PMS self.

## What it means for you

This suggests that cultural ideas about femininity may shape how women experience, interpret, and talk about premenstrual symptoms, not just biology alone. The abstract gives no sample size, no country, and no control group, so the findings are suggestive rather than proof, and may not apply to all women.

## About the study

Original title Constructions of femininity and experiences of menstrual distress Authors Cosgrove L, Riddle B Journal Women & health Year 2003 Study design Interview study What was tested None; this was an observational study using questionnaires and interviews, not a treatment trial. Read the paper [doi.org/10.1300/j013v38n03_04](https://doi.org/10.1300/j013v38n03_04)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)[Stigma, attitudes and culture](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-stigma-culture/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

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