Cohort study, 2015
How common are PMS and PMDD in young female athletes?
PMDD affects about 8% of young women regardless of sport. PMS is significantly more common in athletes (49.33%) than non-athletes (32%).
What they did
Researchers tracked 75 female athletes aged 16 to 22 and 50 healthy non-athletes for 2 consecutive menstrual cycles. They used daily symptom questionnaires following official guidelines for diagnosing PMS and PMDD.
What they found
PMDD was diagnosed in 8% overall with no significant difference between athletes (9.33%) and non-athletes (6%). PMS was diagnosed in 42.4% overall. PMS was significantly more common in athletes (49.33%) than non-athletes (32%, P=.045). Among athletes, PMS was more common in older women and in those with older age at first period. Intensive physical exercise delayed the onset of menstruation.
What it means for you
Young female athletes are more likely to have PMS than non-athletes, though PMDD rates are similar. Age and when someone starts their period may play a role in PMS risk for athletes. The study found a link between competitive sports and PMS but does not explain why. Main limit: only adolescents and young adults were studied, so results may not apply to older women.
75
female athletes studied
49.33%
PMS in athletes
32%
PMS in non-athletes
About the study
- Original title
- Menstrual Cycle and the Prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome/Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in Adolescent Athletes
- Authors
- Czajkowska M, Drosdzol-Cop A, Gałązka I et al.
- Journal
- Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology
- Year
- 2015
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 125
- What was tested
- None, observational study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2015.02.113
Topics
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