Survey study, 2009
Is stress related to premenstrual symptoms and irregular periods?
Yes. Stress is independently associated with both PMS and irregular cycles. Women reporting these menstrual problems had significantly higher stress scores.
What they did
Researchers surveyed 221 Japanese college students (mean age 19.4 years) about stress levels, premenstrual symptoms, menstrual pain, and whether their cycles were irregular.
What they found
79% reported premenstrual symptoms, 79% reported menstrual pain, and 63% had irregular cycles. Women with these symptoms had higher stress scores than those without. Stress was an independent predictor of PMS and irregular cycles.
What it means for you
Stress may contribute to menstrual problems in young women. The study is limited to college students in Japan and may not apply to other ages or countries.
79%
with premenstrual symptoms
79%
with menstrual pain
63%
with irregular cycles
About the study
- Original title
- The relationship between premenstrual symptoms, menstrual pain, irregular menstrual cycles, and psychosocial stress among Japanese college students
- Authors
- Yamamoto K, Okazaki A, Sakamoto Y et al.
- Journal
- Journal of physiological anthropology
- Year
- 2009
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 264
- What was tested
- None
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.2114/jpa2.28.129
Topics
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