Cultural variations of premenstrual experience

Forty-eight female nursing students who were in the reproductive age group were evaluated for cognitive, affective and somatic changes in the premenstrual phase. A retrospective rating method was used with measurements on numerical and visual analogue scales. The visual analogue scale was used for bidirectionality of measurement. Ratings on 17 items were compared during the premenstrual phase and the rest of the cycle. Significant changes were seen in three of the distressing items. A Premenstrual Syndrome, the late luteal phase disorder of DSM-IIIR criteria, was identified in 6% of the women. The varying patterns of premenstrual changes and their prevalence are discussed in a sociocultural context.