Comparison of premenstrual symptoms, psychological well-being, and nutritional status between Palestinian women with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a widely seen reproductive and endocrinological disorder. PCOS can exert substantial effects on many aspects of an individual's life, including reproductive health and psychological well-being. The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status, premenstrual syndrome, and mental health of women affected by PCOS in comparison to women without PCOS. METHODOLOGY: A case-control observational study in Palestine included 100 PCOS patients and 200 healthy women. The collected data included socio-demographic information, medical history, premenstrual syndrome, mental health, nutritional status, and lifestyle. Anthropometric measurement and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) were used to evaluate the nutritional status. The General Health Questionnaire (12-GHQ) was used to evaluate the state of mental health. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) severity was evaluated using a validated Arabic premenstrual syndrome questionnaire. RESULTS: The study's findings indicated that there was a statistically significant increase in the three dimensions of PMS among participants with PCOS, p < 0.05. Similarly, PCOS patients demonstrated elevated ratings across all aspects of mental health, p < 0.05. In terms of the other variables, it has been observed that PCOS patients have a notably greater prevalence of perceived sleep disturbances and decreased adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Regression analysis revealed that PCOS is associated with mental health problems indicated by a higher GHQ score (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03; 1.16, p < 0.05), lower adherence to the MD diet (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76; 0.98, p < 0.05), and pre-menstrual syndrome, especially the physical symptoms (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.003; 1.12, p < 0.05) after adjusting for age, smoking, waist-hip ratio, and body mass index (BMI). CONCLUSION: The study has linked polycystic ovary syndrome to negative mental health outcomes and an increased severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Additional investigation is required in order to establish a causal association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and lifestyle behaviors within the Palestinian population. Intervention and instructional studies are necessary to investigate the efficacy of management strategies in alleviating the effects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on both physical and mental well-being.

Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and its associations with dietary and other lifestyle factors among university female students in Dubai: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Premenstrual syndrome is a relatively prevalent condition that affects a significant number of menstruating women worldwide. It can range from mild to severe and may interfere with daily activities. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and its associated factors among female university students in Dubai. DESIGN: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. METHODS: The analysis for this study involved 217 female university students (aged ⩾18 years old) who completed a self-reported online questionnaire. Participants were recruited through simple random sampling, and the study received ethical approval from the Zayed University Ethical Committee. RESULTS: All participants reported that they experienced at least one premenstrual syndrome symptom with different levels of severity. The prevalence rate of psychological, physical, and behavioral symptoms was 83.0%, 79.4%, and 76.6%, respectively. The most frequently reported premenstrual psychological symptoms were loss of control (69.6%). Most reported physical premenstrual symptoms included lethargy/fatigue/decreased energy (56.7%); premenstrual syndrome symptoms interfered with participants' daily routines (45.2%). Normal body mass index, no smoking, milk consumption, cruciferous vegetables, fruits, animal foods, fish oil supplements, and no fast-food consumption were all significant factors associated with decreasing premenstrual syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Premenstrual syndrome is a common menstrual disorder among university students that interferes with their daily routines. Dietary habits and other lifestyle factors were highly related to premenstrual syndrome. Therefore, health promotion programs are highly recommended to encourage healthy diets and lifestyles for females as early as adolescence at the school level.

The effect of perceived stress on menstrual complaints in university students.

Studies have examined the effect of stress on dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome. For this reason in this study, it was aimed to determine the impact of stress on menstrual symptoms (adverse effects, abdominal pain, and coping methods). This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 351 university students in Turkey by sharing the link to the questionnaire on online social media platforms. It was determined that those whose income was equal to their expenses had lower menstrual symptoms, having a chronic disease and smoking increased menstrual symptoms (F = 3.19/p = .04; t = 2.33/p = .02; t = 3.96/p = .00). The study identified that there was a positive low-level correlation (r: 0.25, p < .01) between the Perceived Stress Scale-14 and the Menstruation Symptom Questionnaire, and the 6.5 percent change in menstrual symptoms was explained by perceived stress. In the study, it is thought that stress affects the experience of menstrual symptoms. Therefore, it is believed that by providing training on stress and effective coping methods by midwives and nurses, menstrual symptoms can be reduced, contributing to women's health. For future studies, it is recommended to examine the effects of stress coping methods training on stress and menstrual complaints.

Investigating influencing factors on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) among female college students.

BACKGROUND: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects women's physical and mental health. Depression, stress, sleep disturbance, and eating attitude problems have been known to influence PMS. Furthermore, restrictions of daily life due to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to changes in sleep patterns and eating attitudes. Thus, it is necessary to closely examine how these factors affect PMS. This study aimed to examine the levels of PMS, stress, depression, sleep disturbance, and eating attitude problems among female college students who experience dysmenorrhea and determine the factors associated with PMS. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey design was conducted using a convenience sample of 143 female college students in C City, South Korea. Data were collected from September 1 to 19, 2021 in South Korea using an online self-administered survey. Differences in participants' level of PMS according to physical health variables (e.g., smoking, water intake, menstrual pain intensity) and psychological issues (i.e., stress, depression, sleep disturbances, and eating attitude problems) were assessed with independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVAs. Correlational analyses between these variables were also conducted. Additionally, multiple regression was performed to identify the factors influencing PMS. RESULTS: PMS severity was between normal (27.3%) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (72.7%). PMS was associated positively with depression (r = .284, p = 001), stress (r = .274, p = .001), sleep disturbance (r = .440, p < .001), and eating attitude problems (r = .266, p = .001). Additionally, menstrual pain intensity (ß = 0.204), sleep disturbances (ß = 0.375), and eating attitude problems (ß = 0.202) were found to influence PMS. The regression model was significant (F = 16.553, p < .001) with an explanatory power of 24.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the influencing factors of PMS identified in this study, interventions for participants experiencing PMS should be made. We propose that further study should be conducted to examine whether the severity of PMS changes according to menstrual pain, the pattern and degree of its change, and the paths through which sleep quality and eating attitude problems affect PMS.

Mood Swing during Menstruation: Confounding Factors and Drug Use.

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a physiologic process in women where mood swing is one of the symptoms influencing the psycho-emotional, physical, and behavioral reactions exhibited by women during menstruation. This study elucidates the effect of mood swing, confounding factors and healthcare-seeking behaviors of women in an educational environment. Methods: Exactly 328 women who were within reproductive ages 16 and 35 years participated in this study. A survey method was adopted; validated and standardized questionnaires were administered to confidentially assess the effect of mood swing via PMS. All data were analyzed with SPSS 25.0; descriptive method was adopted and results were expressed in percentages. Results: Mood swing was discovered as a symptom overlapping with psycho-emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms during menstruation. The overall PMS prevalence was 67.4% while PMDD prevalence was 25.6%. Psycho-emotional symptoms: anger, irritability, depression. Physical symptoms: coldness, paleness, food craving, breast tenderness, digestive changes. Behavioral symptoms: social withdrawal, nocturnal social activity, absenteeism, poor work or academic performance, increased libido. Confounding factors include stress, gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroid, ovarian cyst, pelvic adhesion, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Also, 22.9% had a family history of bipolar disorder (BD) while 30.2% had previous diagnosis. Severe pain was a major factor for seeking treatment; Paracetamol, and Piroxicam were frequently used drugs. Conclusions: Severe PMS triggers mood swing and can badly affect academic or work activities; victims either endure the pain due to socio-cultural and financial factors or take unsuitable medications where abuse is inevitable.

Factors Associated with the Prevalence and Severity of Menstrual-Related Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study aimed to identify factors associated with the prevalence and severity of menstrual-related symptoms. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021208432). We conducted literature searches of PubMed and Ichushi-Web and used the Jonna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist to assess the quality. Of the 77 studies included in the meta-analysis, significant odds ratios (ORs) were obtained for eight factors associated with primary dysmenorrhea (PD): age ≥ 20 years (OR: 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04−1.34), body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m2 (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.01−2.26), longer menstrual periods (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.04−0.28), irregular menstrual cycle (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.13−1.45), family history of PD (OR: 3.80; 95% CI: 2.18−6.61), stress (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.30−2.72), sleeping hours < 7 h (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.04−1.35), and bedtime after 23:01 (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.16−1.45). Two factors were associated with severity of PD (moderate vs. severe): BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 (OR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.01−3.54) and smoking (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.08−3.47). PD severity (mild vs. severe) and prevalence of premenstrual syndrome were associated with BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 (OR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.04−3.50) and smoking (OR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.31−2.66), respectively. The identified risk factors could be utilized to construct an appropriate strategy to improve menstrual symptoms and support women's health.

The effect of estrogen hormone on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) occurrences in teenage girls at Pesantren Darul Arqam Makassar.

OBJECTIVE: PMS symptoms can include anxiety, quick temper, excessive strain on the breasts, increased or decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, acne, low back pain, to faint. This study aimed to determine the effect of estrogen hormone in Adolescent Girls who experienced premenstrual syndrome at Darul Arqam, Makassar. METHODS: The research design used the cross-sectional approach using the purposive sampling technique to get the samples of female teenagers who had PMS and another 25 samples of female teenagers who did not have PMS. The respondent who had experienced PMS filled in the daily diary sheets, did the blood taking of five ccs and underwent the examination of estrogen level using ELISA method. The study was conducted for three months, and the data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULT: The research result indicated that the mean value of estrogen hormone in adolescent girls who experienced PMS was 148.32pg/ml higher than the female teenagers who did not experience PMS of 98.00pg/ml. The analysis result indicated that Ha was accepted, and H0 was rejected since the mean value in PMS teenagers was higher compared to the non-PMS teenagers with the value of p=0.000<α=0.05. This result showed a significant effect of estrogen hormone in adolescent girls who experienced PMS compared to those who did not experience PMS. The adolescent girls who experience mild PMS with the mean value of estrogen hormone were 130.73pg/dl, while those who experienced severe PMS of 162.14pg/ml. CONCLUSION: It was found that the value of p=0.000<α=0.05, which indicated that there was a significant effect of the levels of estrogen hormone between the non-PMS, mild PMS, and severe PMS.

Premenstrual disorders among young Turkish women: According to DSM-IV and DSM-V criteria using the premenstrual symptoms screening tool.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) according to the DSM-IV and DSM-V criteria using the premenstrual symptoms screening tool (PSST) in young Turkish women aged 15-24 years. DESIGN AND METHODS: This descriptive study included 760 Turkish female students in Izmir. FINDINGS: The prevalence of PMS was 61.1% and 26.1 and that of PMDD was 20.4% and 10.0%, based on the DSM-IV and DSM-V criteria using PSST, respectively. In the PMDD category, the most common symptoms were anger/irritability (97.4%). PMS/PMDD prevalence is common in young women, especially in adolescents, and PMDD prevalence was alarmingly high. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Health professionals take an active role in the diagnosis and management of PMS/PMDD.

Dysmenorrhea and Associated Factors among Polish Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: The aim of the research was to conduct an assessment of the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and associated factors among Polish women. Patients and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Polish women using an online questionnaire. The mean age of the participants was 23 ± 4 years. Out of the total of 1,317 women who took part in the study, 1,127 were included in the analysis, and 190 were excluded due to incomplete answers. The questionnaire consisted of 19 questions that were grouped into three parts. The first concerned sociodemographic data such as age, weight, education, and residence (urban or rural). The second part of the questionnaire pertained to the factors of dysmenorrhea (premenstrual syndrome, age of menarche, and family history of dysmenorrhea.). In the third part, the women were asked about their diet, alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, and physical activity. Results: Dysmenorrhea affected 94% of the interviewed women. Dysmenorrhea was most likely to occur among respondents whose mothers had a history of dysmenorrhea (p < 0.005). Significant relationship between the occurrence of dysmenorrhea among respondents and their sisters was also observed (p < 0.005). The prevalence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) was significantly higher in women reporting dysmenorrhea (p < 0.005). Other significant factors associated with dysmenorrhea were age of menarche (p < 0.005), stress frequency (p=0.005), lack of physical activity (p=0.037), and self-esteem (p=0.042). However, in the respondents, no significant relationship was observed between dysmenorrhea and diet, smoking, body mass index, and alcohol intake. Conclusion: The study points to the fact that the problem of dysmenorrhea affects many Polish women. Women with dysmenorrhea were characterized with a family history of dysmenorrhea, occurrence of PMS, early age of menarche, stressful lifestyle, lack of physical activity, and low self-esteem. We suggest that further assessment of factors contributing for dysmenorrhea among women is necessary.

Fatores associados à síndrome pré-menstrual e ao transtorno disfórico pré-menstrual em estudantes da área de saúde / Factors associated with premenstrual syndrome and dysphoric disorder in health students

O estudo avaliou a frequência da síndrome pré-menstrual (SPM) e do transtorno disfórico pré-menstrual (TDPM) e fatores associados entre estudantes de cursos da área de saúde em uma universidade no Recife, Brasil. Realizou-se um corte transversal envolvendo 649 estudantes entre 18 e 47 anos, no período de setembro/2016 a março/2017. As estudantes que aceitaram participar do estudo e assinaram o termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido responderam a um questionário autoaplicável com dados sociodemográficos, hábitos de vida e antecedentes ginecológicos, bem como questões relacionadas aos critérios diagnósticos de SPM/TDPM. A maioria das estudantes tinha entre 18 e 24 anos (83,2%), era solteira (92,1%), morava com os pais (77,0%) e não trabalhava (84,4%). A frequência de SPM simples foi de 23,3% e da TDPM, de 26,7%. Os sinais e sintomas físicos foram os mais frequentes (84,1%) entre as estudantes com SPM. As 173 estudantes com TDPM relataram como sintomas mais frequentes a irritabilidade (89,6%) e a ansiedade (87,3%) acentuadas. O teste de qui-quadrado foi utilizado para comparar as proporções entre os fatores associados à SPM e ao TDPM, considerando p < 0,05. Os fatores de risco que tiveram associação estatística com a ocorrência de SPM/TDPM foram o índice de massa corporal (IMC) < 25 (p = 0,01) e irregularidade dos ciclos (p = 0,04).(AU)

This study evaluated the frequency of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and associated factors among university students in health courses in Recife, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 649 students aged 18 to 47 years between September 2016 and March 2017. Students who agreed to participate in the study and signed a free informed consent form, was invited to answer a self-administered questionnaire with socio-demographic data, lifestyle and gynecological history, as well as issues related to the diagnostic criteria of PMS/PMDD. Most students were between 18 and 24 years old (83.2%), single (92.1%), living with parents (77.0%) and did not have a job (84.4%). The frequency of simple PMS was 23.3% and PMDD was 26.7%. Physical signs and symptoms were the most frequent (84.1%) among students with PMS. The 173 students with PMDD reported more frequent symptoms of irritability (89.6%) and anxiety (87.3%). The Pearson chi-square test was used to compare the proportions of the factors associated with PMS and PMDD, considering p < 0.05. BMI < 25 (p = 0.01) and cycle irregularity (p = 0.04) were the factors who had a statistically significant association with the occurrence of PMS/PMDD.(AU)

Association of fine-particulate and acidic-gas air pollution with premenstrual syndrome risk.

OBJECTIVE: Air pollution had been reported to be associated with the reproductive health of women. However, the association of particulate matter (PM) and acid gases air pollution with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) warrants investigation. This study investigated the effects of air pollution on PMS risk. POPULATION: We combined data from the Taiwan Air Quality-Monitoring Database and the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database. In total, an observational cohort of 85 078 Taiwanese women not diagnosed as having PMS. METHODS: Air pollutant concentrations were grouped into four levels based on the concentration quartiles of several types of air pollutants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We then applied univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models to assess PMS risk in association with each pollutant type. RESULTS: Women exposed to Q4-level SO2 exhibited a 7.77 times higher PMS risk compared with those to Q1-level SO2 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.22-9.71). Women exposed to Q4-level NOx exhibited a 2.86 times higher PMS risk compared with those exposed to Q1-level NOx (95% CI = 2.39-3.43). Women exposed to Q4-level NO exhibited a 3.17 times higher PMS risk compared with women exposed to Q1-level NO (95% CI = 2.68-3.75). Finally, women exposed to Q4-level PM with a ≤2.5-µm diameter (PM2.5) exhibited a 3.41 times higher PMS risk compared with those exposed to Q1-level PM2.5 (95% CI = 2.88-4.04). CONCLUSIONS: High incidences of PMS were noted in women who lived in areas with higher concentrations of SO2, NOx, NO, NO2 and PM2.5.

Perimenstrual psychiatric hospitalization: case report and literature review.

Despite the fact that menstrual psychosis has been described since the eighteenth century, there are only about 80 cases reported in the literature. The knowledge and awareness about the disorder remain poor, leading to inaccurate diagnoses and suboptimal treatment. This is the case of a 25-year-old woman with recurrent hospitalizations for mental status changes including psychotic phenomena and catatonia that appeared to follow a cyclical pattern that correlated with her menstrual periods, with complete symptom resolution and return to her usual level of functioning between episodes despite continued treatment with antipsychotic medications. This pattern remitted only after hormonal therapy was initiated. Through this case report, the authors review the literature on the menstrual psychoses, exemplified by this case, and discuss treatment options and prognosis. Menstrual psychosis is an underrecognized condition where psychotic symptoms recur cyclically with menses. Given the poor response that this entity shows to antipsychotic treatment, hormonal therapies have a prominent role.

Lifestyle Factors Associated with Premenstrual Syndrome: A Cross-sectional Study of Japanese High School Students.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationships between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and lifestyle, sleep, and dietary habits among Japanese high school students. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Two public high schools in Sendai, the largest city in northeastern Japan. PARTICIPANTS: A school-based survey was conducted among 1818 female Japanese high school students in 2015, and 1022 students with regular menstrual cycles (25-38 days) completed the questionnaire. INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Relationships between PMS and lifestyle, sleep, and dietary habits. RESULTS: The rates of moderate to severe PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder were 9.7% (99/1022) and 2.2% (22/1022), respectively. A total of 121 students (11.9%) were classified as having PMS-the PMS(+) group. Significant differences were observed between the PMS(+) group and those without PMS-the PMS(-) group-in age at menarche (P = .022), menstrual pain (P < .001), hypnagogic disorder (P < .001), long Internet use time (P < .001), eating breakfast (P = .018), chewing well (P = .037), and belonging to a sports club (P = .046). Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk factors for PMS were menstrual pain (odds ratio [OR], 4.74; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.83-7.95), hypnagogic disorder (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.47-3.35), stress fracture (OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.21-3.98), and Internet use time (OR, 1.003; 95% CI, 1.001-1.005). Belonging to a sports club decreased the risk of PMS (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.35-0.91). CONCLUSION: Sleep, dietary habits, belonging to a sports club, and screen time affect PMS among high school students.

Premenstrual Syndrome Is Associated with Dietary and Lifestyle Behaviors among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from Sharjah, UAE.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a cyclical late luteal phase disorder of the menstrual cycle whereby the daily functioning of women is affected by emotional and physical symptoms substantially interfering with their quality of life. Little is known about PMS in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of PMS among university students in Sharjah, UAE, and clarify its associations with dietary habits, lifestyle behaviors, and anthropometric factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted on female college students at the University of Sharjah, UAE. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and anthropometric assessments. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Participants were 300 adult university students aged 18-24 years (mean age 20.07 ± 1.53 years). In total, 95% of participants reported at least one PMS symptom during their menstrual period. The prevalence of PMS was 35.3%, with mild symptoms being the most commonly reported. Multiple regression analysis showed that smoking was associated with increased risk of reporting psychological (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.8; p < 0.05) and behavioral symptoms (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.0-4.9; p < 0.05), while high calorie/fat/sugar/salt foods intake was associated with increased risk of reporting physical symptoms (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.4-7.3; p < 0.05). However, fruit consumption (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.125-0.92; p < 0.05) was associated with a decreased risk of reporting behavioral symptoms. A high prevalence of PMS was reported among university students, with smoking and high calorie/fat/sugar/salt food consumption identified as strong risk factors for PMS.

Tobacco consumption and premenstrual syndrome: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether tobacco smoking is associated with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and its most severe form, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). DESIGN: Case-control study with incident cases using the Spanish public healthcare system. SETTING: 3 major public hospitals and one family counseling and planning center. POPULATION: Women consulting for troubles related to menstruation and for other motives such as screening for uterine cancer, contraception counseling or desire for pregnancy. METHODS: Logistic regression. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Odds Ratios of PMS and PMDD. RESULTS: 285 incident PMS cases and 285 age-matched controls on the one hand, and 88 incident PMDD cases and 176 controls on the other hand participated in the study. The odds of premenstrual disorders was higher in current smokers compared with never smokers: Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.78, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.20-2.63 for PMS and OR = 2.92, 95%CI: 1.55-5.50 for PMDD. For PMS, women who smoke 1 to 5 cigarettes/day presented an OR = 2.82, 95%CI: 1.57-5.06 and those who smoke more than 15 cigarettes/day an OR = 2.52, 95%CI: 0.99-6.40. Compared to non-smokers, current and ex-smokers who smoked < 3 pack-years presented an OR = 1.79, 95%CI: 1.04-3.08 for PMS, and an OR = 3.06, 95%CI: 1.27-7.35 for PMDD. Smokers of 3 to 8 pack-years presented an OR = 2.34, 95%CI: 1.33-4.13 for PMS and OR = 3.56, 95%CI: 1.55-8.17 for PMDD. These results were confirmed by the exposure-effect curve obtained from a cubic spline model. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that smokers are more likely to develop PMS and PMDD.

Protein intake and the risk of premenstrual syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between protein intake and the risk of incident premenstrual syndrome (PMS). DESIGN: Nested case-control study. FFQ were completed every 4 years during follow-up. Our main analysis assessed protein intake 2-4 years before PMS diagnosis (for cases) or reference year (for controls). Baseline (1991) protein intake was also assessed. SETTING: Nurses' Health Study II (NHS2), a large prospective cohort study of registered female nurses in the USA.ParticipantsParticipants were premenopausal women between the ages of 27 and 44 years (mean: 34 years), without diagnosis of PMS at baseline, without a history of cancer, endometriosis, infertility, irregular menstrual cycles or hysterectomy. Incident cases of PMS (n 1234) were identified by self-reported diagnosis during 14 years of follow-up and validated by questionnaire. Controls (n 2426) were women who did not report a diagnosis of PMS during follow-up and confirmed experiencing minimal premenstrual symptoms. RESULTS: In logistic regression models adjusting for smoking, BMI, B-vitamins and other factors, total protein intake was not associated with PMS development. For example, the OR for women with the highest intake of total protein 2-4 years before their reference year (median: 103·6 g/d) v. those with the lowest (median: 66·6 g/d) was 0·94 (95 % CI 0·70, 1·27). Additionally, intakes of specific protein sources and amino acids were not associated with PMS. Furthermore, results substituting carbohydrates and fats for protein were also null. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, protein consumption was not associated with risk of developing PMS.

Relationship between premenstrual syndrome and basic personality traits: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Although many studies have investigated premenstrual syndrome and related factors, there is still only a limited number of studies investigating the relationship between premenstrual syndrome and basic personality traits. This study was conducted to investigate the association between premenstrual syndrome and basic personality traits among university students. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional analytical study conducted in a city in western Turkey. METHODS: The Premenstrual Syndrome Scale, the Basic Personality Traits Scale and a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics developed by the present researchers were applied to 490 female students at the College of Health Sciences of a state university. RESULTS: Premenstrual syndrome was more common among students living in rural areas (65.1%), students with chronic diseases (74.1%), students who suffered from menstrual cramps (61.1%), students who used cigarettes (72.1%) and students with alcohol intake (65.5%). In the final model of the logistic regression analysis, presence of pain during the menstrual period increased the risk of presence of PMS by a factor of 1.554 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.033-2.336; P = 0.034) and high scores on the total basic personality traits scale increased it by a factor of 1.016 (95% CI: 1.002-1.030; P = 0.029). The prevalence of premenstrual syndrome was found to be higher among students who were less extrovert (P = 0.007) and less conscientious (P = 0.001); and among students with higher neuroticism (P = 0.000) and negative valance (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that personality may be associated with premenstrual syndrome.

Female psychopharmacology matters! Towards a sex-specific psychopharmacology.

There is increasing recognition that women have a higher prevalence of certain psychiatric illnesses, and a differential treatment response and course of illness compared to men. Additionally, clinicians deal with a number of disorders like premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and postpartum depression, which affect women specifically and for which treatment and biological pathways are still unclear. In this article we highlight recent research which suggests that different biological mechanisms may underlie sex differences in responsiveness to stress. Sex differences are evident at the receptor level; where the corticotropin-releasing factor receptor shows differential coupling to adaptor proteins in males and females. The neuropeptide oxytocin also shows sex-specific effects in a range of social behaviors. It may act as a biomarker in post-traumatic stress disorder where sex differences are evident. Studies in women using hormonal contraception show that some of these oxytocin-mediated effects are likely influenced by sex hormones. In female rats rapid changes in circulating progesterone levels are associated with exaggerated behavioral responses to mild stress and blunted responses to benzodiazepines that could be prevented by acute treatment with low-dose fluoxetine. Perceived barriers in research on women have hindered progress. The development of a sex-specific psychopharmacology as a basis for translating this type of research into clinical practice is vital to improve treatment outcomes for women.

Carbohydrate and fiber intake and the risk of premenstrual syndrome.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are encouraged to reduce sugar and increase fiber intake to reduce symptoms. However, research supporting these recommendations is limited, and their role in PMS development is unclear. This study examines the relation between carbohydrate and fiber intake and the risk of PMS nested within the prospective Nurses' Health Study II cohort. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Carbohydrate and fiber intake were assessed at baseline and three additional times during follow up by food frequency questionnaire. Incident cases of PMS were identified by self-reported PMS diagnosis during 14 years of follow up and validated by supplemental questionnaire (n = 1234). Women were classified as controls if they did not report PMS diagnosis during follow up and confirmed minimal or no premenstrual symptoms (n = 2426). We estimated relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Total carbohydrate intake 2-4 years before reference year was not associated with PMS development (RR quintile 5 versus 1 = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.74-1.33). Intakes of specific carbohydrates or fibers were not associated with PMS development, except maltose. Adjusting for body mass index, smoking, and other factors, women with the highest maltose intake (median = 3.0 g/day) had a RR of 1.45 (95% CI = 1.11-1.88) compared to those with the lowest intake (median = 1.2 g/day). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, carbohydrate and fiber consumption was not associated with risk of PMS. As this is the first study to suggest that maltose may be associated with PMS development, further replication is needed.

Association of Premenstrual Syndrome with Blood Pressure in Young Adult Women.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of hypertension in premenopausal women is increasing. There is substantial need for novel strategies to identify women who would benefit from increased screening and early interventions. Several mechanisms likely contributing to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are also involved in hypertension, including renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system dysfunction and micronutrient deficiencies. However, it is unknown whether young women with PMS have elevated blood pressure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the association of blood pressure, PMS, and premenstrual symptoms in a cross-sectional study of 409 young women (mean age 21 years), conducted from 2006 to 2014. Our analysis included 78 cases (19%) who met established criteria for clinically significant PMS and 88 controls (22%) experiencing few symptoms. Blood pressure was measured during the mid-luteal phase. Lifestyle, diet, anthropometry, and other factors were measured by questionnaire and/or direct measurement. RESULTS: After adjustment for smoking, body mass index, and other factors, mean diastolic blood pressure in PMS cases was 72.3 versus 69.1 mm Hg in controls (p = 0.02). Diastolic blood pressure was also significantly higher in women reporting specific symptoms; for example, mean diastolic blood pressure in women reporting moderate or severe premenstrual nausea was 77.7 mm Hg compared with 71.0 mm Hg in women without nausea (p = 0.007). Systolic blood pressure did not vary by PMS status. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is among the first studies to suggest that diastolic blood pressure is elevated in young adult women experiencing PMS. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether PMS may be a useful sentinel for future hypertension risk in young women.