Interview study, 1997

What are young undergraduate women's experiences of their menstrual cycle?

Young women experienced some premenstrual symptoms but considered them minor compared to the stereotype. None had thought about positive experiences, though managing menstruation was seen as bothersome.

Early or limited evidence 9 undergraduate women

What they did

Interviewed 9 undergraduate women about their menstrual cycle experiences and analyzed their accounts qualitatively.

What they found

Women distinguished their own experiences from the premenstrual stereotype. They experienced premenstrual symptoms but considered them relatively minor. None had previously considered positive menstrual cycle related experiences. Managing menstruation was viewed as a hassle.

What it means for you

Treatment providers should recognize that women's actual experiences differ from stereotypes. Main limitation: very small qualitative study with 9 women, so findings may not represent all women.

women interviewed

About the study

Original title: What are young undergraduate women's qualitative experiences of the menstrual cycle?
Authors: Choi PY, McKeown S
Journal: Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology
Year: 1997
Study design: Interview study
What was tested: Qualitative interviews about menstrual cycle experiences
Read the paper: doi.org/10.3109/01674829709080697

Topics

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Cognition, concentration and memory Students and academic performance

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