Premenstrual syndrome and associated symptoms in adolescent girls.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the frequency of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) associated symptoms and effects of nutrition on PMS in adolescent girls.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and seventy-one adolescent girls who had menstrual cycles were included in this study. They were given a questionnaire on criteria for PMS, dysmenorrhea and regularity of menstrual cycle. Modified Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) criteria were used for the diagnosis of PMS. We also investigated which nutritional supplements affect the PMS-associated symptoms and signs.

RESULTS

One hundred and five adolescent girls out of 171 (61.4%) met DSM-IV criteria for PMS. There was an association between dysmenorrhea and PMS in 60 (57.1%). Half of the girls, i.e. 52 (49.5%) had mild, 39 (37.1%) had moderate and 14 (13.4%) had severe PMS. The most common symptom of PMS was negative affect particularly in the form of stress (87.6%) and nervousness (87.6%). There was a statistically significant negative relationship between milk consumption and the following: abdominal bloating, cramps, craving for some foods and increased appetite.

CONCLUSION

PMS and dysmenorrhea are frequently overlapping. We also found that PMS is associated with dietary habits.