Comparison of serum level of some trace elements and vitamin D between patients with premenstrual syndrome and normal controls: A cross-sectional study

Effect of a psychoeducation program based on cognitive-behavioral psychodrama techniques on premenstrual syndrome symptoms: a randomized controlled trial

Premenstrual syndrome is characterized by physical and psychological symptoms that negatively affect daily functioning. This study investigated the effect of a psychoeducation program based on cognitive-behavioral psychodrama techniques on premenstrual syndrome symptoms. This study utilized a 2 × 2 pretest-posttest, experimental-control group research design. The sample consisted of 32 participants randomized into experimental (n = 16) and control (n = 16) groups. The experimental group participated in a seven-session psychoeducation program based on cognitive-behavioral psychodrama techniques. Data were collected using a personal information questionnaire and the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS). The experimental group demonstrated a significantly lower median posttest PMSS total and 'depressive affect', 'fatigue', 'irritability', 'depressive thoughts', 'changes in appetite' and 'changes in sleeping habits' subscale scores than the pretest score (p < .05). Moreover, the experimental group had a significantly lower median posttest 'anxiety' score than the control group (p = .021). A psychoeducational program based on cognitive-behavioral and psychodrama techniques can be used as an effective therapeutic intervention to relieve or managing premenstrual symptoms.

Efficacy and Safety of Ganyushu Granule in Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome with Gan (Liver) Depression and Qi Stagnation Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter, Phase-II Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To confirm the efficacy and safety of Ganyushu Granule (GYSG) in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in patients with Gan (Liver) depression and qi stagnation syndrome (GDQSS) and determine its effective dosage.

METHODS

From June 2018 to March 2021, a total of 240 PMS women with GDQSS were included and randomly divided into 3 groups in a 1:1:1 ratio using central block randomization: high-dose GYSG group (n=78, GYSG 2 packs/time), low-dose GYSG group (n=82, GYSG and its simulant 1 pack/time), and placebo group (n=80, GYSG simulant 2 packs/time). Treatment with GYSG or placebo was given thrice daily and for up to 3 menstrual cycles. Primary outcomes were PMS diary (PMSD) score and premenstrual tension syndrome self-rating scale (PMTS). Secondary outcomes were Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome efficacy. PMSD, PMTS, and efficacy of CM were evaluated with menstrual cycles during the treatment period. Outcome indicators were analyzed after each menstrual cycle. All analyses were performed using an intention-to-treat method, and clinical safety was assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 216 patients included in the effectiveness analysis, 70, 75, and 71 patients were in the high-, low-dose GYSG, and placebo groups, respectively. From the 2nd treatment cycle, the change in PMSD scores in the high- and low-dose groups was lower than that in the placebo group (P<0.05). PMTS scores in the high-dose GYSG group after the 1st treatment cycle was lower than that in the placebo group (P<0.05), while after the 3rd treatment cycle, that in the low-dose group was lower than that in the placebo group (P<0.05). After the 2nd treatment cycle, the high-dose GYSG group had the best CM syndrome efficacy (P<0.05). No serious adverse reactions were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

GYSG was safe and well-tolerated at both doses for treating PMS patients with GDQSS. High-dose GYSG might be the optimal dose for a phase III trial. (Registration No. ChiCTR1800016595).

Micronutrient intake and premenstrual syndrome in female collegiate athletes

BACKGROUND

In non-athletic populations micronutrient consumption is associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS can be a debilitating condition for female athletes as it may affect their performance and training. This study investigated potential differences in select micronutrients' intake in female athletes with or without PMS.

METHODS

Participants were thirty NCAA Division I eumenorrheic female athletes ages 18-22 years not using oral contraceptives. Participants were classified with or without PMS using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screen tool. Participants completed dietary logs (two weekdays and one weekend day) one week before their projected menstruation. Logs were analyzed for caloric, macronutrient, food sources, and vitamin D, Mg, and Zn intake. Non-parametric independent T-Tests determined differences in the median and Mann-Whitney U tests determined differences in the distribution between groups.

RESULTS

23% of the 30 athletes showed PMS. There were no significant (P>0.22) for all comparisons) differences between groups for daily kilocalories (2150 vs. 2142 kcals), carbohydrates (278 vs. 271g), protein (90 vs. 100.2g), fats (77 vs. 77.2g), grains (224.0 vs. 182.6g), dairy (172.4 vs. 161.0g). vegetables (95.3 vs. 263.1g), or fruits (204.1 vs. 156.5g). A statistical trend (P=0.08) indicated differences in vitamin D intake (39.4 vs. 66.0 IU), but not for Mg (205.0 vs. 173.0 mg), or Zn (11.0 vs. 7.0mg) between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

No association was found between Mg, and Zn intake and PMS. However, lower vitamin D intake tended to be associated with presenting PMS in female athletes. Further studies should include vitamin D status to clarify this potential association.

Investigation of coping behaviors and premenstrual syndrome among university students

This study aims to examine premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in university students and their coping behaviors. 452 female students were included in this descriptive and correlational study. The data were collected using a descriptive information form, the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), and the Premenstrual Change Coping Inventory (PMS-Cope). PMS symptoms were found in 80.5% of students. Seeking positive affect-inducing activities to cope with PMS was found to be a significant predictor of reducing the severity of PMS (β =-0.265, p < .001). In coping with PMS, it is necessary to consider the perceptions of taking medication, seeking social support, or seeking positive affect-inducing activities as a coping method to determine the social and cultural beliefs of university students and control PMS. PMS is a significant health problem and raising awareness of the issue alone may not be enough. It should also be noted that the severity of PMS can vary markedly between ethnic groups, and women's strategies for coping with symptoms and their effectiveness may differ between cultures. It is pivotal to develop strategies for university students to cope with PMS and provide personalized care.

Is Premenstrual Syndrome Associated with Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status? A Systematic Review of Case-Control and Cross-Sectional Studies

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a cyclically occurring combination of various symptoms, leading to decreased life quality among approximately 30% of women of childbearing age. PMS etiology remains unknown; however, there are some suggestions that inappropriate inflammatory response and oxidative stress are involved. This study aimed to systematically review case–control and cross-sectional studies investigating inflammation markers, oxidative stress, and antioxidant status among women with PMS and controls. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (no. CRD42020178545), and the authors followed the guidelines for performing a systemic review recommended by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). By searching PubMed and Scopus databases (up to 8 January 2021), six case–control studies and five cross-sectional studies of medium or high quality were classified to the review. The systematic review included 652 women with PMS and 678 controls, for whom 36 eligible markers were determined. Limited evidence indicates increased levels of inflammatory parameters and suggests decreased antioxidant status in PMS women. Insufficient data with inconsistent results made it impossible to formulate a firm conclusion on the contribution of oxidative stress in PMS occurrence. To acknowledge the role of inflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidant status in the pathophysiology of PMS, further research with case–control design and large study groups is needed.

Beneficial Role of Calcium in Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Current Literature

Since premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is one of the most common and debilitating disorders in women, risk factor modification is an urgent health priority. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to summarize and discuss the outcomes of observational and interventional studies in humans regarding the relationship between Calcium and PMS. PubMed, Scopus, ISI web of sciences and Google scholar were searched up to January 2019 to identify relevant studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa and Jadad scales were used for quality assessment. A total of 14 studies (8 interventional and 6 observational) met our inclusion criteria. Majority of the studies showed that not only serum calcium levels are lower in PMS subjects, but also calcium supplementation could significantly improve the incidence of PMS and its related symptoms. This systematic review suggests a beneficial role for calcium in PMS subjects. However, in order to draw a firm link between calcium and PMS, further dose-response clinical trials with larger sample size and better methodological design are warranted.