Case-control study, 2006
Do women with IBS and period pain have worse symptoms?
Yes. Women with IBS who also have dysmenorrhea and premenstrual distress report significantly more cramping, depression, anger, and cognitive problems than women with IBS alone. This group may need complex, multicomponent treatment.
What they did
Descriptive study combining data from three prior studies on 226 women aged 18-45 with IBS. Women were divided into four groups based on whether they had dysmenorrhea and premenstrual distress. Researchers compared pain and mood symptoms across menstrual cycle phases.
What they found
Of 226 women: 38 had both dysmenorrhea and premenstrual distress, 59 had premenstrual distress only, 15 had dysmenorrhea only, and 114 had IBS alone. Premenstrual distress strongly affected cramping at menses and was linked to higher depression, anger, and cognitive problems in both luteal and menses phases.
What it means for you
Women with both IBS and period distress may need multicomponent treatment including education, diet changes, relaxation, and cognitive strategies. The study combines data from multiple prior studies, which limits confidence in conclusions.
226
Women with IBS
38
With both dysmenorrhea and premenstrual distress
114
With IBS only
About the study
- Original title
- Increased symptoms in female IBS patients with dysmenorrhea and PMS
- Authors
- Altman G, Cain KC, Motzer S et al.
- Journal
- Gastroenterology nursing : the official journal of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates
- Year
- 2006
- Study design
- Case-control study
- Participants
- 226
- What was tested
- Comparison of four groups with and without dysmenorrhea and premenstrual distress
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1097/00001610-200601000-00002
Topics
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