Premenstrual syndrome as reported by Brazilian women.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the perspectives and attitudes of Brazilian women toward premenstrual syndrome (PMS).


METHODS
An exploratory study was conducted in 6 major cities: 1 in each geographic region of Brazil and 1 in the Federal District. Participants were women aged 18-40years who consulted at public healthcare services or who were members of staff/faculty at university.


RESULTS
Of 1053 women, 96.1% had heard of PMS; 65.4% considered that all or almost all women experienced the condition; 87.5% stated that symptoms occurred prior to menstruation; and 60.3% thought that they had PMS at the time of the interview. The emotional and physical symptoms most frequently mentioned were nervousness/anxiety (76.4%); mood swings/crying (55.7%); pain, swelling, and tenderness of the breasts (37.3%); and cramps (45.4%).


CONCLUSIONS
Premenstrual syndrome was reported by a large number of Brazilian women; actions need to be taken to provide more effectively the specific information required by both lay people and healthcare professionals.
Petta
Carlos A
CA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. cpetta@attglobal.net
Osis
Maria J Duarte
MJ
de Pádua
Karla S
KS
Bahamondes
Luis
L
Makuch
María Y
MY
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult