Epidemiologic study of premenstrual symptoms.

The frequency of selected premenstrual symptoms among 342 Egyptian women were analyzed in relation to demographic and reproductive characteristics. The frequency ranged from 36% for breast pain or tenderness to 66% for premenstrual stomach and back cramps, socioeconomic status, education, age at menarche, breast size, menstrual irregularity, and history of pregnancy are all associated with the premenstrual symptoms.