Factors influencing the cyclical symptoms relating to the menstrual cycle.

One hundred and thirty-four volunteers were asked to weigh themselves at the same time each day and to make a daily assessment of a small number of symptoms related to their menstrual cycles. Details were requested of the nature of any pain relieving drugs used and of the days on which they were taken. In addition they were asked to provide information about their age, smoking habits and regular medication. Information relating to 346 cycles was obtained in this way. Symptom scores based upon the frequency and severity of 6 common symptoms occurring between days 5 and 14 compared with the symptoms scores for the last 5 days of the cycle provided a basis for categorising cycles into 3 groups. Group A cycles had a virtual absence of symptoms. Group B cycles were characterised by symptoms which were clustered towards the end of the cycle while group C had symptoms throughout the cycle. Women with cyclical symptoms (group B) were not different in age, menstrual characteristics or smoking habits from women whose cycles fell into groups A and C but their premenstrual changes in bodyweight were greater. The use of pain relieving drugs was not related to symptoms grouping and was similar in all groups. It is concluded that the scores from 6 common symptoms relating to 2 or 3 successive cycles can identify women with cyclical symptoms which may be diagnostic of premenstrual syndrome and the method could be useful in selecting subjects for studies of the syndrome.