Survey study, 2026
How does the way women cope with PMS symptoms affect their relationships?
Women with probable PMDD had lower relationship satisfaction than women with milder forms. Coping strategies involving self-care, communication, and avoiding harm were linked to better relationship satisfaction and more social support.
What they did
The researchers surveyed 395 women in Turkey online from October 2023 to February 2024. The surveys measured PMS symptoms, relationship satisfaction with a partner, perceived social support, and what coping strategies women used.
What they found
58.5% of women had mild PMS, 9.6% had moderate or severe PMS, and 31.9% had probable PMDD. Women with probable PMDD had lower relationship satisfaction scores compared to the other groups. Women who used self-care and talked with partners had more perceived social support. Women who avoided harm also had better relationship satisfaction. Women who coped by reducing activity had lower relationship satisfaction.
What it means for you
How women deal with their PMS or PMDD affects their relationships and how supported they feel. Talking with partners and using self-care seem to help more than withdrawing. This suggests involving partners in understanding PMS and coping strategies could improve relationships. The main limit is this was a one-time survey in Turkey, so results may not apply to women in other countries.
395
women surveyed
31.9%
with probable PMDD
58.5%
with mild PMS
About the study
- Original title
- Impact of women's coping with premenstrual symptoms on dyadic adjustment and perceived social support: a cross-sectional study in Turkey
- Authors
- Aypar Akbağ NN, Güler B
- Journal
- BMJ open
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 395
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2026-120268
Topics
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