Association between severe premenstrual disorders and change of romantic relationship: A prospective cohort of 15,606 women in Sweden

BACKGROUND

Premenstrual disorders (PMDs) affect women's quality of life, yet the impact on romantic relationships remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between severe PMDs and relationship disruption and initiation.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 15,606 women during 2009-2021 in Sweden. PMDs were assessed with the modified Premenstrual Symptom Screening Tool at baseline (one-time retrospective self-report), while relationship status was obtained from national population registers during follow-up. Poisson regression was employed to assess the risk of relationship change.

RESULTS

At baseline (mean age 33.5 years), 1666 (10.6 %) women met the criteria for severe PMDs. All women were followed for 9.1 years on average for any change of relationship status. Among married/cohabiting women, PMDs were positively associated with relationship disruption (Incidence risk ratio, IRR =1.21, 95 % CI: 1.01-1.43, p = 0.03). A more pronounced association was suggested for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (IRR = 1.22, 95 % CI: 1.01-1.45, p = 0.03) than severe premenstrual syndrome (IRR = 1.01, 95 % CI: 0.43-1.96, p = 0.98) and among women without depression/anxiety (IRR = 1.21, 95 % CI: 1.00-1.47, p < 0.05) than among those with (IRR = 0.99, 95 % CI: 0.61-1.54 p = 0.96) and IRR = 1.01, 95 % CI: 0.57-1.72, p = 0.97). Among single women, a null association was found between PMDs and relationship initiation (IRR = 1.05, 95 % CI: 0.95-1.15, p = 0.32).

LIMITATIONS

PMDs were not assessed using prospective symptom charting.

CONCLUSIONS

Married/cohabiting women with probable severe PMDs have an increased risk of relationship disruption. PMDs were not associated with relationship initiation in single women. Healthcare professionals should recognize relationship challenges in women with severe PMDs, and they may require support to maintain healthy relationships.

Effect of Menstrual Distress on Interpersonal Relationships, School Absenteeism, Work Productivity, and Academic Performance

Women's health has always been one of the major research areas to identify health patterns to understand the challenges women face and to provide essential support. As time changes, various new challenges and issues emerge around menstrual distress. More research is still needed to identify efficient physiological and psychological support strategies. The current chapter provides a detailed insight into how menstrual pain affects a woman and girl's interpersonal relationships, school presence, peer relations, productivity at the workplace, and academic performance. Further, the chapter captures various literature evidence on the effect of cultural and religious factors affecting menstruation. The chapter also emphasizes providing strategies and mapping down existing policies that are in action to address the challenges women face due to menstrual distress.

Male perception about the inconveniences associated with monthly bleeding for their partner - an international survey

OBJECTIVE

To assess men's perceptions about monthly bleeding and associated inconveniences for their partner, as well as men's attitudes regarding the desired menstruation frequency for their partner and knowledge about hormonal contraceptives.

METHODS

A 15 min quantitative online survey was conducted among 5044 men aged 18-45 years, who had been in a relationship for more than 6 months, across 13 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland). Responses were compared to those obtained in a similar study among European women.

RESULTS

Most men perceived that their partner considered her menstrual flow as moderate, lasting an average of 5.2 d, slightly longer than previously reported by women. Almost all men reported that their partners experience menstruation-related symptoms. However, prevalence of mood-related symptoms was perceived to be more frequent and physical symptoms less frequent, relative to women's self-reported symptoms. Given the option, 71% of men would choose longer intervals between their partner's periods. Maintaining the couple's sex life, social life and relationship quality were key factors cited in their preference. Overall, 42% of respondents stated that women taking hormonal contraceptives needed to have monthly periods.

CONCLUSIONS

Men's perception regarding their partner's periods was generally consistent with that previously reported by women. Most men would prefer less frequent bleeding episodes for their partners. Although, the present data suggest that couples are discussing periods, knowledge about contraception could be improved. Health care professionals should intensify counselling to better inform both partners about their contraceptive options.