Positive changes in the premenstrual period.

Positive or creative changes in the premenstrual week have been described. This study examines the perceptions of 100 healthy women as to whether they experience positive premenstrual changes and to what extent these occur alone or in combination with negative changes. Sixty-six percent of the women reported at least one positive premenstrual change, most frequently increased sexual interest and enjoyment, tendency to clean and tidy, tendency to get things done, more attractive breasts, more energy and more creative ideas. There was a weak negative correlation between the number of negative premenstrual changes and the number of positive changes reported. There were no statistically significant associations for age (under or over 30 years), marital status, oral contraceptive use or cycle regularity for positive, negative or total number of premenstrual changes. To complement the current interest in negative symptoms, further studies of positive premenstrual changes are required.