What symptoms do young women have with premenstrual syndrome and how do they manage?

Background: Most women of reproductive age have some physical discomfort or dysphoria in the weeks before menstruation. Symptoms are often mild, but can be severe enough to substantially affect daily activities. About 5–8% of women thus suffer from severe premenstrual syndrome. Most of these women also meet criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder Objectives: The main objective of the study was to assess the physical, psychological, behavioural and emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and home management among young adults Methodology: A descriptive survey design was used for the study. Young adults aged between 18 to 25 years belonging to selected colleges in Bangalore participated in this study. Sample size was 207 students selected by convenient sampling technique. A questionnaire was used with items on demographic variables. A Likert scale with questions on premenstrual syndrome with five domains was used to collect data regarding premenstrual syndrome Results: In the present study abdominal pain was reported to be the most prevalent (84.23%) physical symptom followed by backache among 80.98%, muscle or joint pain (71.91%) and food craving was reported by 75% girls. With regard to emotional symptoms almost all the students (93.12%) had mood changes. Irritability was mentioned by 86% girls. Three fourth students mentioned behavioural symptoms of decreased interest in home and social activities. and psychological symptoms of mood fluctuations. The most common coping strategy adopted by young adults were sleeping, resting and listening to music (98%). Almost all the adolescents (97%) used phone as the common distraction method. Conclusion: The present study showed that all the young adults experienced some or the other physical, emotional, behavioral or psychological symptoms. Home remedies, education and guidance of adolescents and young adults is important for healthy coping strategies.

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