Personal and family impact of premenstrual symptoms

An exploratory study of premenstrual symptomatology, coping strategies, personal and family impact, and alterations in family functioning attributed to premenstrual symptoms was conducted. A sample of 83 women and 32 men completed a questionnaire before an evening lecture on premenstrual syndrome. Women reported a total of 74 different recurrent premenstrual symptoms, with the most frequently reported category being the "tension states." Men used multiple coping techniques to deal with their spouse's symptoms with offering support and expressing anger as the most frequently reported. Recurrent negative family impact themes emerged from the content analysis: increased conflict, decreased family cohesion, and disrupted communication among family members. Nursing implications are discussed.