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Premenstrual symptoms in adolescents
M Fisher1, K Trieller, B Napolitano
1Department of Pediatrics, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY 11030.
Summary
Most adolescent females experience premenstrual symptoms (PMS) with significant severity. These symptoms, including physical discomfort and mood changes, are similar to those in adults and worsen with dysmenorrhea.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Adolescent Medicine
- Psychosomatic Medicine
Background:
- Premenstrual symptoms (PMS) are common but understudied in adolescents.
- Previous research on PMS has primarily focused on adult populations.
- Understanding adolescent PMS is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and severity of premenstrual symptoms in adolescent females.
- To identify specific physical and mood-related symptoms experienced by adolescents.
- To compare adolescent PMS with findings in adult populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Premenstrual Assessment Form, a validated 95-item instrument.
- Surveyed 207 adolescent females at a suburban adolescent health service.
- Collected data on symptom prevalence, severity, and demographic factors.
Main Results:
- Nearly all adolescents (96%) reported at least one premenstrual change.
- A majority experienced moderate (89%), severe (59%), or extreme (43%) symptom severity.
- Common physical symptoms included discomfort, water retention, and fatigue; mood changes involved impaired social function and depressive symptoms.
- Symptoms were most severe in adolescents with dysmenorrhea not using oral contraceptives.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent females frequently experience significant premenstrual symptoms comparable to adults.
- Clinicians should consider PMS when evaluating physical and emotional complaints in teenagers.
- Further research and clinical attention are warranted for adolescent PMS, especially in those with dysmenorrhea.