---
title: What is the link between mental health problems and menstrual symptoms like PMS?
description: Both psychiatric problems and personality traits linked to anxiety were significantly linked to PMS and period pain. The link suggests recent stressful life e
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/psychiatric-disorder-and-gynaecological-symptoms-in-middle-aged-women-a-1987/
---

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- What is the link between mental health problems and menstrual symptoms like PMS?

Survey study, 1987

# What is the link between mental health problems and menstrual symptoms like PMS?

Both psychiatric problems and personality traits linked to anxiety were significantly linked to PMS and period pain. The link suggests recent stressful life events and anxiety may play a role.

 Moderate study design

521 women aged 35-59 from two general practices in the UK

## What they did

521 women aged 35-59 were randomly selected from patient lists at two general practices. They were interviewed at home using standardized psychiatric measures and detailed questions about menstrual and gynaecological symptoms.

## What they found

Psychiatric problems and neuroticism (a personality trait involving anxiety) were significantly associated with PMS, dysmenorrhoea, excessive menstruation, and hot flushes. These associations were linked to recent adverse life events and psychiatric vulnerability.

## What it means for you

Mental health and PMS are connected in middle-aged women, and stress or anxiety management might help. This was a snapshot study, so we cannot tell if anxiety causes PMS or PMS causes anxiety.

521

women aged 35-59

## About the study

Original title Psychiatric disorder and gynaecological symptoms in middle aged women: a community survey Authors Gath D, Osborn M, Bungay G et al. Journal British medical journal (Clinical research ed.) Year 1987 Study design Survey study Participants 521 What was tested none (observational) Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1136/bmj.294.6566.213](https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.294.6566.213)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

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