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Survey study, 1990

Are premenstrual symptoms related to how well a woman feels overall?

Yes. Premenstrual symptoms and general well-being are closely connected, and premenstrual symptoms tend to stay about the same from year to year. Women with low well-being and premenstrual symptoms were also more depressed.

Moderate study design Military wives

What they did

Researchers asked military wives about their general well-being and premenstrual symptoms at two time points one year apart.

What they found

General well-being and premenstrual symptoms were highly correlated at both times. Premenstrual symptoms at the first time point were even more strongly correlated with premenstrual symptoms a year later, suggesting they are persistent. Women with higher well-being and premenstrual symptoms were older and reported fewer depressive symptoms. At the one-year follow-up, women with low well-being who had premenstrual symptoms were more depressed than those without.

What it means for you

A woman's overall sense of well-being and her premenstrual symptoms are connected, and premenstrual symptoms tend to persist over time. Women with both low well-being and premenstrual symptoms may be at higher risk for depression. The study followed women over one year but the sample size is not specified.

1 year

follow-up period

About the study

Original title
Relationship between premenstrual symptoms and general well-being
Authors
Rosen LN, Moghadam LZ, Endicott J
Journal
Psychosomatics
Year
1990
Study design
Survey study

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