Survey study, 1988
How common are premenstrual symptoms and do they interfere with daily life?
Premenstrual symptoms are very common (87% lifetime prevalence), but most are mild to moderate. Only 3.2% report severe symptoms, and few women report that symptoms interfere significantly with work.
What they did
Researchers surveyed 730 nursing school graduates (from a mailed survey of 996) about their menstrual cycle and premenstrual symptoms.
What they found
87% of women reported having had premenstrual symptoms at some point. Only 3.2% reported severe symptoms. Most women used self-help measures: 41.8% exercised, 24.6% changed their diet, and 18.9% took vitamins. 17% saw a doctor about symptoms. 22% were using a drug for symptoms at the time of the survey. Despite widespread treatment, few women reported significant work impairment.
What it means for you
Premenstrual symptoms are very common but usually mild. Most women manage with exercise, diet, and vitamins rather than seeing a doctor. This suggests PMS doesn't usually stop women from functioning in daily life. The study only included nurses, so results may not apply to all women.
87%
lifetime prevalence of symptoms
3.2%
reported severe symptoms
41.8%
used exercise as self-help
About the study
- Original title
- Epidemiology of premenstrual symptoms in a nonclinical sample. I. Prevalence, natural history and help-seeking behavior
- Authors
- Johnson SR, McChesney C, Bean JA
- Journal
- The Journal of reproductive medicine
- Year
- 1988
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 730
- What was tested
- None, observational survey
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3367333/
Topics
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