Survey study, 2026
Do difficult childhood experiences lead to worse PMS symptoms as an adult?
Yes. Among 399 university students in Türkiye, 71.7% had PMS symptoms, and those who reported difficult childhood experiences had worse PMS symptoms. Difficult childhood experiences and worse PMS were clearly linked.
What they did
Researchers asked 399 female university students in Türkiye (studied March-April 2022) about difficult or traumatic childhood experiences, their current PMS symptoms, and their fear of childbirth using three questionnaires.
What they found
58.6% of the women reported at least one difficult childhood experience. 71.7% had PMS symptoms. Women with more difficult childhood experiences had worse PMS symptoms and also higher fear of childbirth.
What it means for you
Difficult childhood experiences are linked to worse PMS symptoms in young adulthood. Women's mental and emotional history may affect their physical menstrual symptoms. Healthcare providers should assess trauma history and provide trauma-informed care and mental health support.
71.7%
women with PMS symptoms
58.6%
women with at least one adverse childhood experience
About the study
- Original title
- "How Long Is the Shadow of the Past?" the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Premenstrual Symptoms and Fear of Childbirth
- Authors
- Aslan M, Bayri Bingol F, Ozan A et al.
- Journal
- Journal of child and adolescent psychiatric nursing : official publication of the Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nurses, Inc
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 399
- What was tested
- None - observational survey
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/jcap.70076
Topics
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