Survey study, 1991
How common are menstrual symptoms in working women?
The most common symptoms were weight gain and swelling (over 60% of women), followed by anxiety, tension, irritability, fatigue, cramps, breast pain, mood swings, and food cravings. Symptoms were more common in younger women.
What they did
Questionnaires were given to all female nurses working at least 32 hours per week in 7 hospitals on the West Coast between October 1987 and June 1988. 594 of 760 respondents met inclusion criteria.
What they found
Symptoms frequently experienced included weight gain/swelling, anxiety/tension/irritability, fatigue, cramps, breast pain, mood swings, and food cravings. Weight gain/swelling was the only symptom experienced by more than 60% of women in all age groups. Symptoms more prevalent in women under 30. Compared to white women, fewer Asians reported cramps and weight gain/swelling. More single women reported food cravings and depression/crying. Fewer women over 30 experienced skin disorders and depression/crying.
What it means for you
Menstrual symptoms are very common in working women, with symptoms varying by age, race, and marital status. Results limited to nurses on the West Coast, so may not represent all working women.
594
nurses surveyed
60%
experienced weight gain and swelling
7
hospitals
About the study
- Original title
- Prevalence of perimenstrual symptoms in employed women
- Authors
- Lee KA, Rittenhouse CA
- Journal
- Women & health
- Year
- 1991
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 760
- What was tested
- Survey questionnaire about menstrual symptoms
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1300/j013v17n03_02
Topics
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