Prevalence of symptoms and medication use among female medical students and pharmacy clients with premenstrual syndrome: a cross‐sectional study in Iran

The prevalence, risk factors and lifestyle patterns of Jordanian females with premenstrual syndrome: a cross-sectional study

Aim

The study aims to assess factors associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and the frequency of using painkillers to relieve premenstrual pain.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of 1580 premenopausal women. An online self-administered questionnaire consists of sociodemographics, and the diagnostic criteria using the Arabic Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (A-PMS).

Results

The prevalence of PMS among Jordanian females was 94%. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between several factors, including BMI, family history of PMS, smoking, and herbal tea consumption and the psychological, physical and behavioral symptoms of PMS. Furthermore, analgesic use for pain relief and food cravings were significantly associated with psychological, physical and behavioral PMS symptoms.

Conclusion

PMS is highly prevalent and affects women in different life aspects.

Investigating the effect of mindfulness counselling on sexual functioning of women with premenstrual syndrome

Mindfulness exercises can improve a wide range of the psychological and interpersonal consequences of premenstrual syndrome. Nevertheless, there is sparse information about the effect of mindfulness counselling on sexual dysfunction in women with this condition. This study aimed to determine the effect of mindfulness counselling on the sexual functioning of women with premenstrual syndrome. In this controlled randomized study, 112 women diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome referred to selected urban healthcare centers in Isfahan, Iran, were randomly allocated to two groups (intervention and control), each with 56 participants. The intervention group underwent mindfulness counselling in eight 60-minute sessions online via Google Meet. The control group did not receive any kind of intervention. The principal measure was score on the Rosen Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) before, immediately, and one month after the intervention. The data were analyzed by SPSS 23, through descriptive and analytical statistical tests (chi-square, Mann-Whitney, independent t-test, ANOVA, and repeated measure) with a significance level of 0.05. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean FSFI score (or the subscores) between the intervention and control groups (p greater than 0.05) at baseline. In the intervention group, there were significant increases (relative to both baseline and in comparison with the control group) in the mean subscores for sexual desire (P < 0.0001), orgasm (P = 0.01), satisfaction (P = 0.0001), sexual pain (P = 0.003), and general sexual functioning (P < 0.0001) immediately after and one month after the intervention, but the score for sexual arousal was significantly greater only at the one-month evaluation (P < 0.0001) and there were no differences in the scores for vaginal lubrication. On the other hand. Mindfulness counselling was effective in improving the sexual functioning of women suffering from premenstrual syndrome, and should be used for this purpose in healthcare centers.

New insights on the impact of gut microbiota on premenstrual disorders. Will probiotics solve this mystery?

Premenstrual disorders (PMDs) refer to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), where both are characterized by physical and psychological changes occurring in the luteal phase of menstrual cycle. According to the available theories, there is no single accusation succeeded to explain the pathophysiology of PMDs. However, there is emerging evidence for the role of gut microbiota (GM) in PMDs, supported by the diverging impact of GM on our body systems. The direct secretory function of GM and their integration in hormonal, neurotransmitters and bioactive compounds secretion and activity reinforce this speculation. Moreover, the bidirectional relation between GM and steroid hormones and the impact of diet, drugs, and inflammation on both, GM and PMDs incidence and severity justify the need for more studies to determine the actual role of GM in PMDs and the possible potential of probiotics and prebiotics as therapeutic options.

Are premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea related to the personality structure of women? A descriptive relation-seeker type study

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to define the relationship of experiencing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea with the personality structure of women.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The sample of this descriptive relation-seeker-type study comprised 353 women. Data were collected using the PMS Scale, Quick Big Five Personality Test, and The Questionnaire Form between 1 April and 31 August 2019 in a city in the Mediterranean region in Turkey.

FINDINGS

There was a weak negative-biased correlation between PMS and extraversion, a very weak negative-biased correlation between PMS and conscientiousness, a moderate negative-biased correlation between PMS and neuroticism, and a very weak positive-biased significant correlation between PMS and openness (P < .05).

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

These data suggest that women who are introverted, have weak self-confidence, tend to have negative feelings such as anxiety, depression, and anger, and have weak coping skills are at risk for experiencing PMS.