• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.54 no.5
• /
• pp.201-206
• /
• 2011

Purpose: Westernized eating habits have been associated with earlyage menstruation, which increases the incidence of dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome among adolescent girls. We therefore surveyed changes in menarche timing and the general menstrual characteristics of adolescent girls in Seoul, Korea. Methods: We surveyed 538 teenage girls who visited our hospital between July and November 2007. Items explored included age at menarche, general menstrual characteristics, occurrence of premenstrual syndrome and treatment thereof, and an association between present dysmenorrhea and a family history of the condition. Results: Average age at menarche was 12.6 years, with 29% (n=156) subjects beginning menstruation at age 12 years. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 82% (n=435). The main symptoms were abdominal (53.2%) and lower back pain (34.2%), and 15.2% of girls who experienced such symptoms required medication. Present dysmenorrhea, and a family history thereof, were statistically correlated (P<0.05). In addition, 58.8% (n=316) of teenage girls had symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. The most frequent psychological symptoms were fatigue (36.4%) and nervousness (38.7%), whereas the most common physical symptom was menstrual cramps (46.5%). Most subjects (87.6%) tolerated the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome without medication; 11.4% took medicines including painkillers; but only 0.1% of subjects visited a doctor. Conclusion: The average age at menarche in Korean girls was 12.6 years, thus younger than in the past. Most teenage girls experienced dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome, but few consulted a doctor. Organized treatment plans are required to manage menstrual problems in teenage girls.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.57-65
• /
• 2015

Objectives:Within the normal reproductive cycles of women, dramatic fluctuations of sexual hormones occur in the premenstrual and menopausal periods. In both periods, women are vulnerable to mood disturbances and show several somatic complaints. Based on these common clinical profiles and physiological changes, a relationship between vasomotor symptoms and the premenstrual syndrome has been suggested. However, attempts to establish such a link have yielded inconclusive results. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between histories of premenstrual syndrome and menopausal vasomotor symptoms within different menopausal stages. Methods:This cross-sectional study recruited Korean women aged 45-64 years who were perimenopausal and postmenopausal from 16 branch offices of the Korean Association of Health Promotion. All subjects completed self-report questionnaires that asked about a history of premenstrual syndromes, vasomotor symptoms, and several other variables. Results:A total of 1054 participants(361 perimenopausal women and 693 postmenopausal women) completed the study. Severity of premenstrual symptoms significantly correlated with postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms, only in late perimenopausal(r=0.213, p=0.010) and early postmenopausal women(r=0.246, p<0.001). After adjusting for several factors related to vasomotor symptoms, a history of premenstrual syndrome was a significant predictor of moderate to very severe vasomotor symptoms in late perimenopausal(OR=5.197, p=0.005) and early postmenopausal women(OR=3.017, p=0.010). Conclusions:This study suggests that a history of premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder is differentially associated with vasomotor symptoms in the menopausal stage. Prospective studies with larger population are needed to confirm these findings

• Women's Health Nursing
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.212-221
• /
• 2002

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of foot reflexology on premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea in female college students. The research design of this study was a quasi-experimental design. Of the forty female college students, twenty were assigned to the experimental group and, twenty to the control group. The data were obtained over 2 months(November 26, 2001 to January 31, 2002) from a nursing of C college located in S city. The instrument used to assess premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea was Keele's VAS(Visual Analogue Scale) and opening records. Subjects in the experimental group received foot reflexology for 6 times with 1 hours during 60 days, and subjects assigned to the control group did not receive foot reflexology. Data were analysed with percentage, mean, standard deviation, $x^2$-test, unpaired t-test, and repeated measure ANOVA, using SAS Program. The results of the study are as follow, 1.The symptoms which the group of experimental and the group of control discomforts the most are sensitiveness(35%), abdominal pain (30%),lower abdominal pain (30%) and lumbago (20%). The method of relieve premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea by which the subjects employ the most to solve their premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea is the getting along by enduring(67.5%) and bed rest (32.5%). 2.The mean score of the premenstrual syndromes and dysmenorrhea before foot reflexology was 8.35, it was 4.16 at the first menstruation after foot reflexology and 3.25 at the second menstruation for the experimental group. 3.The relieved symptoms after foot reflexology was fatigue(50%), insomnia(40%), abdominal pain(35%), lower abdominal pain (30%) and constipation(30%). Foot reflexology was effective in improve the symptoms of the female college students who have the premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea.

• Women's Health Nursing
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.39-50
• /
• 1997

To examine the effects of an educational program with a purpose of reducing symptoms and ailments of women's premenstrual syndrome on the basis of the Self-care theory of Orem, a stimulation was carried out by using pre-and post-design of non-equity control group after choosing both an experimental group of 62 persons and a control group of 62 persons among 497 industrial women. This study was conducted from June 20, 1996 to September 30, 1996. Meantime, an education was provided for the experimental group of 62 persons for 8 weeks but no education for the control group of 62 persons. Study matters are general and obstetric characteristics, knowledge and self-care behavior and premenstrual syndrome from questionnaires with 497 industrial women, pre and post questionnaires with the control group of 62 persons and the questionnaires collected before and after providing an education for the experimental group of 62 persons, these matters were used as research data for this study and analyzed by means of the SAS program. As a result, it was shown that the scores of 497 industrial women's knowledge by age were the highest 26.36 for 20 to 29 year old women, then 25.58 for 30 to 39 year old women and 25.74 for less 19 year old women. The performance scores of their self-care behavior by age were the highest 39.17 for 30 to 39 year old women, 35.72 for 20 to 29 year old women and 32.85 for less 19 year old women, which means that the older the women are, the higher the performance degree is(p<0.01). And the scores of their premenstrual syndrome by age were 2.80 for less 19 year old women, 2.18 for 20 to 29 year old women and 2.00 for 30 to 39 year old women. Women in their teens and twenties showed more serious symptoms and ailments of premenstrual syndrome than women in their thirties(p<0.01). For the experimental group of 62 persons who received the educational program, both the knowledge of premenstrual syndrome and the degree of self-care behavior were remarkably improved(p<0.01), respectively and the symptoms and ailments of premenstrual syndrome were also remarkably reduced(p<0.01), while the control group showed no change in the knowledge, self-care behavior, and symptoms and ailments of premenstrual syndrome. The above results demonstrated that educational program based on the Self-care theory of Orem is an effective intervention to reduce the symptoms and ailments of premenstrual syndrome. The effects of the study can be generalized by extending the application in which various age groups and professional and social environments are considered together with a research to evaluate the long-term effects of this educational program. Accordingly, it is expected that it can possible not only to provide help for the women by actually applying the program to practical areas for improvement of women's health but also to suggest plans to activate it as one of health education areas.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.22-31
• /
• 2012

Objectives : We investigated the prevalence and functional impairment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual syndrome(PMS) in young women. Methods : A total of 1063 female college students were recruited from two urban areas(Seoul and Suwon) of Korea. Questionnaires for sociodemographic data and risk factors of PMDD, attitude about menstruation, and the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool(PSST) were applied. Results : The prevalence of severe moderate to severe PMS and PMDD were 16.9% and 11.7%, respectively. There were differences in the alcohol and coffee consumption, severity of menstrual cramp, and family history of PMS among the moderate to severe PMS, PMDD, and no/mild PMS groups. Although some participants did not fulfill diagnostic criteria for PMDD, they showed significant functional impairment. Participants with negative attitude about menstruation reported premenstrual symptoms more frequently than those with positive or ambivalent attitude about menstruation. Conclusion : These results suggest that PMS and PMDD were prevalent and associated with functional impairment in young females. Some participants reported significant functional impairments although they did not meet the full DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for PMDD. Negative attitude about menstruation was associated with more premenstrual symptoms experiences.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.493-505
• /
• 2017

This study examined the relationships between health behavior, premenstrual coping, premenstrual syndrome symptoms, and subjective happiness of female college students. The data were collected through self-report questionnaires between March 7 and April 20, 2016. Participants were comprised of a convenience sample of 122 female college students. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed subjective health status (${\beta}=.23$, p<.011), premenstrual syndrome symptoms (${\beta}=-.22$, p<.012), and average length of menstrual period (${\beta}=-.17$, p<.044) to be significant predictors of subjective happiness in female college students. These variables accounted for 14.0% of subjective happiness scores. It is meaningful that premenstrual syndrome symptoms and average length of menstrual period affected the subjective happiness in female college students. Therefore, to facilitate subjective happiness in female college students, efficient management and intervention regarding premenstrual syndrome symptoms and general health are required.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.314-321
• /
• 2002

Women with the premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) report increased cravings for certain foods and altered taste preferences ding the premenstrual period. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association of PMDD with luteal phase food cravings, appetite, and taste preferences in 1,078 nurses. Among the 626 nurses who gave valid responses, the prevalence of PMDD and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) was 4.6% (N = 29) and 78.3% (N = 490), respectively. A highly significant increase was observed in the preference for sweet tasting foods during the luteal phase, compared to the follicular phase. Desire for sweet foods during the premenstrual period was significantly different among the three groups, being highest in the PMDD group, lower in the PMS group, and lowest in women with no symptoms. Both the PMDD and PMS groups showed significant increases in preferences for pungent tasting foods during the luteal phase. A repeated measures of analysis of variance on the taste preference data revealed that the desire for sweet tasting foods was significantly greater than for others such as salty, sour, and pungent tastes. A greater proportion of the subjects in the PMDD and PMS groups reported an increase in their total food intake during the luteal phase, compared to those women without premenstrual symptoms. Compared to the PMS group or the women with no symptoms, the PMDD group reported increased intakes of high carbohydrate foods during the luteal phase. The most commonly reported food cravings were for sauteed spicy rice cakes (ddukbokki), or for cold buckwheat noodles mixed in chili pepper sauce. These results indicate that the luteal phase food cravings, appetite and taste preferences change in accordance with the severity of the premenstrual symptoms.

• Journal of East-West Nursing Research
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.52-62
• /
• 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms and coping strategies on the health-related quality of life in elementary and secondary schools female teachers. Methods: 140 female teachers in C province were recruited using a correlational study design. The measurements used were the PMS symptoms scale, the PMS coping scale and the Korean version of health-related quality of life scale. Results: The higher quality of life were predicted by the lower PMS symptoms, the higher PMS coping, the better the quality of sleep, the lower the job and life stress, and the lower work disturbance due to the PMS symptoms. These variables explained 53% of the total variance. Conclusions: For better female teachers' health-related quality of life, health care programs for managing the PMS symptoms need to be developed by considering those identified variables. For health education practice, school health teachers need to distribute health educational materials for female teachers and to provide small-group health counselling services for PMS self care.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• v.34 no.8
• /
• pp.1395-1401
• /
• 2004

Purpose. To compare perimenstrual (premenstrual, menstrual, postmenstrual) symptoms by concurrent reporting using the Women's Daily Health Diary (WDHD) and by retrospective reporting using the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MMDQ). Methods. A prospective and retrospective study was conducted among 31 Korean women, aged 27 to 48 yrs, living in the USA. Results. On the prospective report using the WDHD, the most severe complaints were fatigue or tiredness ($1.48{\pm}.98$), sensation of weight gain ($.88{\pm}98$), increased appetite ($.79{\pm}.96$) in premenstrual phase, fatigue or tiredness ($1.34{\pm}.85$), backaches ($1.06{\pm}.79$), and bloating or swelling of the abdomen ($.93{\pm}.86$) during the menstrual phase. On the retrospective report using the MMDQ, the most severe complaints during the premenstrual phase were fatigue ($2.26{\pm}1.65$), irritability ($2.06{\pm}1.48$), and backaches ($1.97{\pm}1.68$) and during the menstrual phase backaches ($2.35{\pm}1.62$), fatigue ($2.29{\pm}1.75$), and cramps ($2.23{\pm}1.80$). According to both measurements of PMS symptomology during the premenstrual and menstrual phases, the most frequently reported symptom was fatigue or tiredness. Highly rated symptoms on the MMDQ and on the WDHD were found to be similar. Conclusion. The WDHD was found to be suitable for daily prospective PMS assessment, which will be necessary for the screening and management of women with severe PMS.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
• /
• v.3 no.4
• /
• pp.212-216
• /
• 2003

This study assessed the effects of Qi therapy (QT) on premenstrual symptoms in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Forty-six college women were randomly allocated to receive QT (QT group: n=23) or complete diary of PMS (control group: n=22, 1 was dropped out). The experimental group receives 12 minutes Qi therapy for 5 times (7, 4, 1 day before and 7, 14 day after menstruation), and control group relaxed in the same procedure with experimental group. We measured pain, depression and anxiety level with visual analogue scale (VAS) to investigate participants responses. There were significant reductions on pain, depression and anxiety in QT group compared with control. These findings suggest that Qi therapy may have a role in helping the women with PMS to cope with their pain, depression and anxiety symptoms.