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Survey study, 1992

Do women with menstrual cycle symptoms have worse overall health and well-being?

Women with perimenstrual symptoms reported more physical health problems, lower psychological well-being, less satisfaction with social life, and less social support. This held true even though they had similar jobs and education to women without symptoms.

Early or limited evidence Employed women with and without perimenstrual symptoms

What they did

Researchers surveyed employed women and divided them into two groups: those with perimenstrual symptoms and those without. They compared their answers about physical health, mood and well-being, satisfaction with life roles, and social support.

What they found

Women with perimenstrual symptoms had more physical health problems and lower psychological well-being compared to those without symptoms. They were also less satisfied with various aspects of their social lives and reported less social support from others. Both groups had similar employment and education levels.

What it means for you

If you have menstrual cycle symptoms, you may experience worse health overall and feel less supported socially. This goes beyond just the symptoms themselves. The main limit is that we don't know if the symptoms cause these problems or if the problems make symptoms worse. Sample size is not specified in the abstract.

About the study

Original title
Health and perimenstrual symptoms: health outcomes for employed women who experience perimenstrual symptoms
Authors
Lee KA, Rittenhouse CA
Journal
Women & health
Year
1992
Study design
Survey study
What was tested
none

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