Survey study, 1994
Does the number of doctor visits change depending on where women are in their menstrual cycle?
Yes, the number of visits appears to change with cycle phase. Women had fewer visits than expected just before their period, but significantly more during menstruation, especially for urgent appointments and among women with higher PMS symptoms.
What they did
Women aged 18 to 45 at two doctor surgeries completed a questionnaire when arriving for a consultation. They were then called to report when their next period started. The team analyzed 432 completed questionnaires to see if visit timing matched their cycle phase.
What they found
Fewer requests for consultations came in the few days before menstruation than expected. However, requests during menstruation itself were significantly increased. These differences were particularly large for urgent same-day appointments and among women with high PMS symptom scores.
What it means for you
Women's need to see a doctor may change at different cycle phases, at least for urgent visits. The study was done at two practices in one area, so findings may not apply everywhere. It is also only a snapshot in time and cannot explain why these changes happen.
432
women analyzed
18-45
age range in years
About the study
- Original title
- Is there a link between the consulting patterns of premenopausal women and the menstrual cycle?
- Authors
- Crowther DL
- Journal
- Family practice
- Year
- 1994
- Study design
- Survey study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1093/fampra/11.4.402
Topics
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