Survey study, 2007
Are diet and lifestyle factors associated with premenstrual symptoms?
Most dietary factors were not related to PMS. Smoking increased symptoms, and alcohol was associated with fewer mood and headache symptoms.
What they did
Researchers analyzed data from 3,302 midlife women of different races and ethnicities. They examined relationships between reported premenstrual symptoms and diet (phytoestrogens, fiber, fat, calcium), alcohol and caffeine use, smoking, exercise, and socioeconomic status.
What they found
Most dietary factors were not related to PMS. Fat intake was associated with less craving and bloating (odds ratio 0.56). Fiber was associated with more breast pain (odds ratio 1.39). Alcohol was associated with less anxiety (odds ratio 0.63) and fewer headaches (odds ratio 0.50). Current smoking (odds ratio 1.60) and passive smoke exposure were associated with more cramps. Symptom reporting differed significantly by race and ethnicity.
What it means for you
Diet alone is unlikely to be a major driver of PMS, but smoking appears harmful. Racial and ethnic differences in symptom reporting suggest culture may influence how women describe or experience symptoms. The study included only midlife women and may not apply to younger women.
0.56
odds ratio for fat intake and bloating
1.60
odds ratio for smoking and cramps
3302
women in study
About the study
- Original title
- Diet and lifestyle factors associated with premenstrual symptoms in a racially diverse community sample: Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN)
- Authors
- Gold EB, Bair Y, Block G et al.
- Journal
- Journal of women's health (2002)
- Year
- 2007
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 3,302
- What was tested
- None
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2006.0202
Topics
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