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The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of perimenstrual symptoms in professionally employed women. Questionnaires were administered to all female nurses working at least 32 hr/wk in 7 different hospitals on the West Coast between October, 1987 and June, 1988. Of the 760 respondents, 594 were currently menstruating and met inclusion criteria. Symptoms frequently experienced by a majority of women included weight gain/swelling, anxiety/tension/irritability, fatigue, cramps, breast pain, mood swings, and food cravings. Symptoms were more prevalent in women under 30 years. Compared to white women, fewer Asians reported cramps and weight gain/swelling. More single women reported food cravings and depression/crying. Parity, cycle regularity, menses duration, and endometriosis were associated with perimenstrual cramps. Fewer women over 30 yrs experienced skin disorders and depression/crying. The only symptom experienced by more than 60% of women in all age groups was weight gain/swelling.
Lee et al. (Fri,) studied this question.