Survey study, 1998
What are women's experiences with getting diagnosed and treated for PMS by doctors?
Most women took many years and saw multiple doctors before being diagnosed. Most doctors didn't use proper diagnostic tools, and only about 1 in 4 provided helpful treatment.
What they did
Researchers surveyed 220 randomly selected US women aged 26 to 56 who had been diagnosed with PMS by a physician. The survey asked about their experiences finding a diagnosis and getting treatment.
What they found
Women took an average of 5.33±6.23 years and visited 3.75±3.22 doctors before diagnosis. Only 23% of doctors used a symptom chart (the proper diagnostic method) and 71% were thought to be inadequately informed. Only 26% of doctors provided helpful treatment. 76% of women had to suggest the PMS diagnosis themselves; 81% first learned about PMS from non-medical sources. Most common treatments were vitamins, exercise, and diet. Treatment satisfaction: 15.6% not very satisfied, 48.8% somewhat satisfied, 35% very satisfied.
What it means for you
Many women struggle to get a proper PMS diagnosis and treatment from doctors because physicians often lack knowledge and don't use standard diagnostic methods. Most women figure out PMS on their own. Study was limited to US women who read health newsletters, so results may not represent all women.
5.33±6.23 years
average time seeking help before diagnosis
23%
of doctors who used symptom chart
26%
of doctors who provided helpful treatment
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual syndrome: diagnosis and treatment experiences
- Authors
- Kraemer GR, Kraemer RR
- Journal
- Journal of women's health
- Year
- 1998
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 220
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1089/jwh.1998.7.893
Topics
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