Survey study, 1992
How common are different types of premenstrual symptoms?
Premenstrual symptoms were very common, ranging from 36% for breast pain to 66% for stomach and back cramps. Multiple factors including education, when periods started, menstrual irregularity, and pregnancy history were linked to having symptoms.
What they did
Researchers analyzed responses from 342 Egyptian women about their premenstrual symptoms and compared which women experienced them based on their age, education, socioeconomic status, and reproductive history.
What they found
Symptoms ranged from 36% (breast pain or tenderness) to 66% (stomach and back cramps). Socioeconomic status, education, age at first period, breast size, irregular menstrual cycles, and previous pregnancies were all associated with having premenstrual symptoms.
What it means for you
PMS symptoms are very common, affecting roughly one-third to two-thirds of women depending on the symptom. Several factors about your background and body appear to affect whether you experience symptoms, but the study does not show which factors matter most. Limited to Egyptian women and relies on self-reported symptoms.
342
women studied
36%
reported breast pain
66%
reported stomach and back cramps
About the study
- Original title
- Epidemiologic study of premenstrual symptoms
- Authors
- Khella AK
- Journal
- The Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association
- Year
- 1992
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 342
- What was tested
- none
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1295940/
Topics
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