Research article summary (published 30 May 1993):

Association of physical and emotional symptoms with the menstrual cycle and life-style.

Full Abstract

The frequency and severity of physical and emotional menstrual symptoms were investigated with a cross-sectional study of 502 women not seeking treatment for menstrual symptoms. The most frequent symptoms were abdominal bloating, backache, headache, constipation, low abdominal pain, fatigue and symptoms related to depression. Some symptoms increased during the late luteal phase, and others were related to the women's life-style. Lack of schooling and living in rural areas were associated with headache, backache, sadness, insecurity, restlessness and weakness. Women from urban areas with more schooling had more breast tenderness, abdominal pain, irritability, depression, aggressiveness and increased sexual desire. Younger women had increased appetite, lack of concentration, insecurity, desire to be alone, weakness and dissatisfaction with their looks. Heavier women had more leg cramps, swollen feet, lack of coordination and polydipsia. Menstrual symptoms seem to be determined by the interplay of the menstrual cycle with biologic factors and life-style.

Author information

Author/s: Huerta-Franco, M R (MR); Malacara, J M (JM);

Affiliation: Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas, Universidad de Guanajuato, León, México.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: The Journal of reproductive medicine (J Reprod Med), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1993-Jun; vol 38 (issue 6) : pp 448-54

Dates: Created 1993/08/19; Completed 1993/08/19; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 8331624, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent Adult Aging - physiology Body Weight - physiology Child Cross-Sectional Studies Educational Status Emotions Female

Humans Life Style Menarche Mexico - epidemiology Middle Aged Occupations Parity - physiology Premenstrual Syndrome - epidemiology; physiopathology; psychology Residence Characteristics

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