Cohort study, 2011
How common are premenstrual syndrome and PMDD in Spanish women?
Most Spanish women (73.7%) experience some premenstrual symptoms, but only 8.9% have moderate or severe PMS and 1.1% meet criteria for PMDD.
What they did
Cross-sectional survey of 2108 Spanish women aged 15-49 conducted in November-December 2008. Women were interviewed at home and asked about premenstrual symptoms they experienced during the last 12 menstrual cycles using a standard screening tool.
What they found
Of the 2108 women surveyed, 1554 (73.7%) reported some premenstrual symptoms. Of those with symptoms, 1415 (91%) had isolated symptoms only, 139 (8.9%) had moderate or severe PMS, and 24 (1.1%) met criteria for PMDD. Only women with moderate or severe PMS or PMDD reported symptoms significantly disrupted daily life.
What it means for you
Premenstrual symptoms are very common in Spanish women, but severe forms that interfere with daily life are much less common. Most women with some symptoms do not need medical help. This finding matches reports from other Western countries.
2108
women surveyed
73.7%
with any premenstrual symptoms
1.1%
meeting PMDD criteria
About the study
- Original title
- Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder in a representative cohort of Spanish women of fertile age
- Authors
- Dueñas JL, Lete I, Bermejo R et al.
- Journal
- European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology
- Year
- 2011
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 2,108
- What was tested
- survey assessing how common premenstrual symptoms are
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2010.12.013
Topics
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