Survey study, 1997
How common are premenstrual symptoms, what treatments do women use, and do they work?
Between 11-32% reported severe or extreme symptoms, and 85% had tried treatments. Women reported that dietary changes, evening primrose oil, vitamins, and exercise worked best.
What they did
Cross-sectional survey of 310 Australian general practice patients aged 18-45 who had periods in the previous 3 months, asking about symptoms, treatments tried, perceived effectiveness, help-seeking, and desire for more help.
What they found
Between 11% and 32% of women reported severe or extreme changes on each of 10 premenstrual symptoms, with mood symptoms most common. 85% had tried treatments, most commonly painkillers, rest, drinking more fluid, and exercise. When asked which treatments worked best, women named dietary changes, evening primrose oil, vitamins including B6, and exercise. About 50% had sought help from a doctor and 45% wanted more help. Higher symptom scores were associated with endometriosis history, lower education, not taking birth control, and taking evening primrose oil or vitamin B6.
What it means for you
PMS is very common and most women try treatments, though the evidence is limited for most. Many women want more help. Women taking supplements had higher scores, which may mean they took them because they had worse symptoms, not that the supplements don't work. This is Australian data; patterns may differ in other places.
310
women surveyed
85%
had tried treatments
45%
wanted more help
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual symptoms in general practice patients. Prevalence and treatment
- Authors
- Campbell EM, Peterkin D, O'Grady K et al.
- Journal
- The Journal of reproductive medicine
- Year
- 1997
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 310
- What was tested
- None (survey of existing use)
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9350019/
Topics
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