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Survey study, 2022

Do omega-3, body weight, and stress affect PMS severity?

Yes. In this study, omega-3 intake, healthy weight, and lower stress were all linked to milder PMS. However, the study was small and only looked at one moment in time in one region, so we cannot confirm these factors cause the difference.

Early or limited evidence 34 teenage girls with intellectual disabilities in Indonesia

What they did

Cross-sectional study of 34 teenage girls with intellectual disabilities in Indonesia. Researchers used questionnaires to assess omega-3 intake and stress, measured body weight and height, and assessed PMS severity using chi-square statistical testing.

What they found

55.9% had mild PMS and 44.1% had moderate PMS. Omega-3 intake was linked to PMS severity (p=0.005). Body weight for age was linked to PMS severity (p=0.007). Stress level was linked to PMS severity (p=0.045).

What it means for you

In this small group of girls with intellectual disabilities, better nutrition (including omega-3), healthier weight, and lower stress were each linked to milder PMS symptoms. These findings are biologically plausible but limited to a specific population. The study only looked at one moment in time, so we cannot confirm that changing these factors would improve PMS.

55.9%

had mild PMS

0.005

p-value for omega-3 link

0.007

p-value for body weight link

About the study

Original title
HUBUNGAN ASAM LEMAK OMEGA 3, IMT/U DAN TINGKAT STRES DENGAN TINGKAT PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS) PADA REMAJA PUTRI TUNAGRAHITA DI KECAMATAN MARGAASIH
Authors
Sekar Apsari Aditya
Journal
Indonesian Journal of Health Development
Year
2022
Study design
Survey study
Participants
34
What was tested
None. This was an observational study measuring omega-3 intake and stress.
Open access
Yes

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