A Hospital Based Study of Frequency, Intensity and Impact of Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms on Female Patients

Abstract

Objective: To study the frequency, intensity of the premenstrual symptoms and its impact on the women reporting 
to the hospital with other complaints.   
Study Design: Observational Study. 
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Outpatient Department of Gyne & Obst. Unit, Fauji 
Foundation Medical College / Hospital, Rawalpindi from 1st June 2008 to 31st December 2008. 
Patients and Methods: We had total 224 women who were included in this study. These women were included in 
this study because they were menstruating regularly for the last six months. They were not suffering from any 
surgical, medical or psychiatric illness and were not pregnant. These women were interviewed by trained personnel 
and all the symptoms with their intensity were entered into the specially designed proformas. Only those symptoms 
were given importance which was present in the preceding at least three menstrual cycles. 
Results: Out of total 224 women only 34% of the women had any awareness regarding the presence of these 
symptoms in relation to menstruation. Lethargy was the commonest symptom found in 74% of women with mild 
intensity (51.9%). Least common symptom was negative thoughts present in 16% of the women. 50% of the women 
reported that their daily activities were affected by the presence of these symptoms. For the relief of these symptoms 
the commonest drug used was ponston(39.7%). The age group mostly affected in our study was from 36 to 50 years.  
Conclusion: The awareness regarding premenstrual syndrome associated symptoms is very low and especially 
amongst women belonging to rural background with low educational status. Health providers should be actively 
involved in providing information and therapies to these women so that they do not suffer in silence.