[Syndrome premenstrual dysphoric 185 preschool teachers in Mérida Yucatán]

Premenstrual dysphoric syndrome affects 3 to 8% of women. It is a disabling health problem, family and socio-economic impact. This syndrome increases the risk of: major depressive disorder, postpartum depression and other serotonin spectrum pictures. In Yucatan, there are no specific reports on the frequency of dysphoric premenstrual syndrome.

To determine the prevalence and the most common symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric syndrome in a group of preschool teachers in Merida, Yucatan.

a descriptive study conducted from October 2006 to January 2007 with a probability sample of 77 teachers. A questionnaire was applied and provided a table with data related to premenstrual dysphoric syndrome, which was completed daily during two menstrual cycles. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics in Epi Info V6.

Forty-six women (59.7%) had regular menstrual cycles and 30 (39%) suffered from a previously diagnosed disease (premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis, acute anemia, migraine, hypothyroidism). Of the 77 women, 27.3% (21/77) had positive result for premenstrual dysphoric syndrome. The most frequent symptoms were physical, that require that patients seek the help of a professional or self-medication, this did not happen when the symptoms were kind of emotional or behavioral disability occurred although, even for everyday activities.

The percentage of patients with premenstrual dysphoric syndrome was higher than that reported in the literature. The daily monitoring of symptoms caused by the menstrual cycle and enables doctors to identify women premenstrual dysphoric syndrome and avoid its consequences.