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Premenstrual syndrome as reported by Brazilian women
Author(s) -
Petta Carlos A.,
Osis Maria J. Duarte,
Pádua Karla S.,
Bahamondes Luis,
Makuch María Y.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2009.07.041
Subject(s) - medicine , menstruation , massage , anxiety , crying , mood swing , mood , health professionals , family medicine , psychiatry , health care , alternative medicine , physical therapy , economics , economic growth , pathology
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 18–40 years 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.