Survey study, 1988
Do some women feel better around their period?
Yes. Between 5 and 15 percent of women report feeling more excited, energized, and content during the perimenstrual phase. Many also report increased sexual interest and better performance on some tasks.
What they did
This paper reviewed research on perimenstrual changes, noting that most studies focus on negative symptoms. The authors examined evidence for positive changes during the perimenstrual phase.
What they found
About 5-15% of women experience increased excitement, energy, and well-being during the perimenstrual phase. Many women report increased activity, heightened sexuality, and improved performance on certain tasks during this time. The paper emphasizes that women have very different perimenstrual experiences.
What it means for you
PMS research has focused too much on negative symptoms and ignored that some women feel better around their period. Future research needs to understand why some women report positive changes and how women's beliefs about their cycle affect what they report. This is a review of other studies, not a new study.
5-15%
women experiencing increased excitement and energy
About the study
- Original title
- Positive perimenstrual changes: toward a new perspective on the menstrual cycle
- Authors
- Logue CM, Moos RH
- Journal
- Journal of psychosomatic research
- Year
- 1988
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None, literature review
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/0022-3999(88)90086-4