Epidemiology of premenstrual symptoms

Abstract

We examined the prevalence of selected premenstrual symptoms among 520 Connecticut women in relation to demographic, reproductive, contraceptive, and medical characteristics. The prevalence ranged from 39 per cent for breast swelling to 81 per cent for premenstrual weight gain. Socioeconomic status, race, history of benign breast disease, bra cup size, and history of abortions were some of the factors associated with premenstrual symptoms.