Premenstrual syndrome symptoms in women of reproductive age – a preliminary report

Abstract

Most women experience at least one or more psychosomatic symptoms before their period, which are characteristic of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.Aim: This study aimed to investigate whether and to what extent women of childbearing age experience PMS and what is involved.Material and methods: The study was conducted between February and June 2019 at the Medical University of Lublin and the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, and at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic in Świdnik, among 252 women of reproductive age, aged 20-35. The paper uses the method of diagnostic survey, using its own questionnaire and the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale.Results: About half (45.2%) of the women had moderate severity of symptoms. In contrast, 40.5% of the respondents had no premenstrual syndrome symptoms (0.4%) or only mild symptoms (40.1%). The most common category of symptoms was physical symptoms, including the most common breast tenderness and swelling (52.8%), skin lesions (44%), and cravings for products with added salt and sugar (40.9%). The level of education of the women studied differentiated the perception of PMS symptoms (p = 0.001). The severity of the syndrome was not related to age (p = 0.097), physical activity (p = 0.054), dietary habits (p = 0.650), and vitamin D (p = 0.159) and B (p = 0.458) supplementation.Conclusions: The vast majority of women experience at least one symptom of premenstrual syndrome. Almost half of them have moderate premenstrual symptoms. The most common category of symptoms includes physical symptoms, especially breast tenderness and swelling, skin changes, and cravings for foods with added salt/sugar. Women's level of education makes a difference to their perception of PMS symptoms. The severity of the syndrome does not depend on age, physical activity, dietary habits or vitamin D and B supplementation.Keywords: menstrual cycle, premenstrual syndrome, dysphoric premenstrual disorder