Abstract:
Introduction: The premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a monthly cycle of physical, psychological and behavioral symptoms which starts at the end of the luteinic phase and reverses during the first days of menstruation. These symptoms are reported by the 80% of women and when they are more severe, they may become “Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder” (PMDD) which affects between 3% and 10% of women. Objectives: To study the incidence of PMS and PMDD, in order to find out whether the variables “age” and “ cycle regularity” have any influence on the symptoms. Materials and Methods: In a non-random sample of university women (n=125, age: 18-39), an exploratory, cross-sectional study provided preliminary data collected by an adapted structured self-administered printed questionnaire. For data analysis, tools from descriptive statistics were used. Results: Common symptoms: abdominal pain (71.2%), increased sensitivity 49.6%), feeling of reluctance (48%). The 33% of women would comply with the diagnostic criteria of DSM- IV-TR (APA, 2002) for PMDD, while 62% would suffer isolated symptoms of the disorder, and therefore they could present PMS. Between both age groups, there was a highly significant difference in the frequency of the symptoms, 2-6 symptoms in elder women and between 1-4 symptoms in less than 25 year-old women). There were no differences between those who took oral contraceptives and those who did not, as well as between women with regular or irregular cycle.