Survey study, 1964
How common are mood and physical changes around menstruation?
Very common. One in nine women reported severe pain, irritability or headache, and one in four had moderate to severe premenstrual tension. Psychological symptoms were linked to personality traits related to anxiety.
What they did
500 women aged 18 to 45 completed questionnaires about menstrual symptoms and personality type. Researchers looked for connections between symptom prevalence and personality traits using the Maudsley Personality Inventory.
What they found
One in nine women complained of severe pain, irritability, or headache. One in sixteen reported depression and tension. One in four suffered moderate or severe premenstrual tension and were more likely to have painful menstruation. Psychological symptoms such as irritability, depression and tension were highest in the premenstrual period and were strongly correlated with neuroticism, as were headaches and swelling. Painful menstruation itself was not correlated with neuroticism. All symptoms decreased with age and number of pregnancies.
What it means for you
Premenstrual symptoms are common and correlated with personality traits, particularly anxiety-related traits like neuroticism. This suggests psychological factors may play a role. However, the study relied on questionnaires without other confirmation, and the research is decades old and may not reflect current populations.
500
women surveyed
1 in 9
women with severe pain, irritability, or headache
1 in 4
women with moderate or severe premenstrual tension
About the study
- Original title
- The Effect of Psychological and Motor Changes During the Menstrual Cycle on Women Athletes
- Authors
- J. Marrian
- Journal
- Bulletin /
- Year
- 1964
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 500
- What was tested
- None; questionnaire study.
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.1.3-4.54
Topics
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