Is metabolic syndrome linked to worse PMS symptoms?

Abstract Background Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a clinical condition characterized by recurrent moderate-to-severe affective, physical, and behavioral symptoms during the menstrual cycle. The present study aimed to assess the relation between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and symptoms severity in patients with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This multicentric propensity score matched analysis included 300 women with PMS. They comprised 150 women with MetS and 150 women without MetS. Diagnosis of PMS was based on the validated Arabic version of Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST). For the diagnosis of MetS, we adopted the Harmonized Joint Scientific Statement (HJSS) on metabolic syndrome recommendations. Results The present study included 300 patients with PMS. They comprised 150 patients with MetS and 150 patients without MetS. Comparison between the studied groups regarding the demographic and clinical data showed that patients with MetS had significantly higher BMI (30.5 ± 3.0 versus 25.2 ± 3.5 kg/m2, p < 0.001) and longer symptoms duration (4.4 ± 0.9 versus 3.3 ± 1.1 days, p < 0.001). Patients with MetS included higher frequency of moderate-to-severe PMS (35.3% versus 20.7%, p = 0.005). In patients with MetS, it was found that patients with moderate-to-severe PMS have significantly higher BMI, younger age at menarche and longer symptoms duration. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age at menarche [OR (95% CI): 0.7 (0.55–0.9), p = 0.005], PMS symptoms duration [OR (95% CI): 4.45 (3.0–6.6), p < 0.001] and MetS [OR (95% CI): 1.67 (1.34–2.53), p = 0.017] as significant predictors of moderate-to-severe PMS. Conclusions MetS is related to symptoms severity in PMS patients.

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