Premenstrual syndrome as reported by Brazilian women

OBJECTIVE: To describe the perspectives and attitudes of Brazilian women toward premenstrual syndrome (PMS). METHODS: An exploratory study was conducted in 6 major cities: 1 in each geographic region of Brazil and 1 in the Federal District. Participants were women aged 18-40years who consulted at public healthcare services or who were members of staff/faculty at university. RESULTS: Of 1053 women, 96.1% had heard of PMS; 65.4% considered that all or almost all women experienced the condition; 87.5% stated that symptoms occurred prior to menstruation; and 60.3% thought that they had PMS at the time of the interview. The emotional and physical symptoms most frequently mentioned were nervousness/anxiety (76.4%); mood swings/crying (55.7%); pain, swelling, and tenderness of the breasts (37.3%); and cramps (45.4%). CONCLUSION: Premenstrual syndrome was reported by a large number of Brazilian women; actions need to be taken to provide more effectively the specific information required by both lay people and healthcare professionals.