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Survey study, 2021

Do adverse childhood experiences increase the risk of PMS?

Yes, women who experienced more adverse things in childhood had significantly higher PMS symptoms. The evidence is fairly clear, but the study only included young university women and cannot prove childhood experiences cause PMS.

Early or limited evidence 754 university women aged 18-25, average age 20.68 years

What they did

Cross-sectional study of 754 university women aged 18-25 using questionnaires about adverse childhood experiences and PMS symptoms to examine whether adverse experiences are linked with PMS.

What they found

73.2% of women had PMS. 60.5% had experienced at least one adverse childhood experience. Statistical analysis showed that as the number of adverse childhood experiences increased, PMS symptoms increased.

What it means for you

Difficult childhood experiences are linked with higher PMS risk. The main limits are that the study only included young university women so findings may not apply to all women, and causation cannot be established.

73.2%

had PMS

60.5%

had at least one adverse childhood experience

754

women studied

About the study

Original title
Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Premenstrual Syndrome
Authors
Zeliha Özşahin, Hacer ÜNVER, Sinem Güven Santur
Journal
Medical Records
Year
2021
Study design
Survey study
Participants
754
What was tested
None
Open access
Yes

Topics