Survey study, 1983
Do men and women report the same menstrual symptoms?
No. Men and women reported similar symptoms during the premenstrual period and mid-cycle, but women experienced more cramps, stomach pain, and bloating during menstruation. Women found these symptoms only modestly bothersome.
What they did
35 male and 35 female college students completed daily checklists of 15 common menstrual symptoms throughout a menstrual cycle. Researchers compared symptom ratings between men and women at different cycle stages.
What they found
Men and women reported no differences in symptoms during the premenstrual period or mid-cycle. During menstruation, women reported significantly more sharp cramps, dull cramps, stomach pain, and bloating. Women rated these symptoms as only modestly distressing.
What it means for you
Women experience more physical symptoms during menstruation itself, but men report similar numbers of general symptoms during the same calendar days when women are premenstrual or mid-cycle. This suggests some reported symptoms may be influenced by factors beyond the menstrual cycle. However, the study was small, included only college students, and tracked only one cycle per woman.
35
male students
35
female students
15
symptoms tracked
About the study
- Original title
- Menstrual symptoms in college students: a controlled study
- Authors
- Cox DJ
- Journal
- Journal of behavioral medicine
- Year
- 1983
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None; observational study.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/bf01315118
Topics
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