Survey study, 1985
Does stress affect premenstrual symptoms?
Yes. Daily stressors had a stronger effect on premenstrual symptoms than major life events. A generally stressful life context was more influential than stress occurring during a specific cycle phase.
What they did
Researchers studied 74 women aged 18 to 35 over 2 months. Women recorded daily stressors and symptoms in diaries, then completed questionnaires about recent major life events and premenstrual symptoms.
What they found
Major life events were linked to premenstrual symptom reports on questionnaires but not in daily diary entries. Daily stressors were more influential on premenstrual symptoms than the buildup of major life events. A generally stressful life context overall was more influential on premenstrual symptoms than episodes of stress during a specific menstrual cycle phase.
What it means for you
Everyday stress matters more for premenstrual symptoms than major life events or stress specific to one cycle phase. Overall life stress may be more important than cycle-related stress. This was a small cross-sectional study, so causation cannot be determined.
74
women studied over 2 months
About the study
- Original title
- Major life events, daily stressors, and perimenstrual symptoms
- Authors
- Woods NF, Most A, Longenecker GD
- Journal
- Nursing research
- Year
- 1985
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None - stress and symptom tracking
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1097/00006199-198509000-00002
Topics
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