Survey study, 2010
How many teenage girls in Japan have PMS or PMDD?
64.6% of Japanese high school girls reported premenstrual symptoms. While this was lower than in adult women, the rate of moderate-to-severe PMS and PMDD was actually higher in teenagers, and symptoms significantly affected their daily activities.
What they did
Researchers assessed 618 Japanese high school students for premenstrual symptoms and how severe they were. The students answered questions about their symptoms and how much the symptoms affected their daily life.
What they found
64.6% of the girls were found to suffer from premenstrual symptoms, which is lower than the rate typically found in adult women. However, the rates of moderate to severe PMS and PMDD in the girls were higher than those found in adult women. Premenstrual symptoms could have significant consequences by interfering with the daily functioning of the adolescent girls.
What it means for you
Teenage girls may have surprisingly high rates of moderate-to-severe PMS and PMDD even though fewer report any symptoms overall compared to adults. This suggests teenagers with PMS may experience more severe forms. The study is specific to Japan, so results may not apply to other countries or cultures. More research in other populations is needed.
64.6%
Girls reporting premenstrual symptoms
618
High school students assessed
About the study
- Original title
- Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder in Japanese high school students
- Authors
- Takeda T, Koga S, Yaegashi N
- Journal
- Archives of women's mental health
- Year
- 2010
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 618
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s00737-010-0181-3
Topics
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