UNASSIGNED: Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) is a well-studied intervention known for its positive effects on emotional, cognitive, and physiological well-being, including relief from depressive symptoms. However, its practical use is hampered by high costs and a lack of trained professionals. Smartphone-based HRVB, which eliminates the need for external devices, offers a promising alternative, albeit with limited research. Additionally, premenstrual symptoms are highly prevalent among menstruating individuals, and there is a need for low-cost, accessible interventions with minimal side effects. With this pilot study, we aim to test, for the first time, the influence of smartphone-based HRVB on depressive and premenstrual symptoms, as well as anxiety/stress symptoms and attentional control.
UNASSIGNED: Twenty-seven participants with above-average premenstrual or depressive symptoms underwent a 4-week photoplethysmography smartphone-based HRVB intervention using a waitlist-control design. Laboratory sessions were conducted before and after the intervention, spaced exactly 4 weeks apart. Assessments included resting vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV), attentional control via the revised attention network test (ANT-R), depressive symptoms assessed with the BDI-II questionnaire, and stress/anxiety symptoms measured using the DASS questionnaire. Premenstrual symptomatology was recorded through the PAF questionnaire if applicable. Data analysis employed linear mixed models.
UNASSIGNED: We observed improvements in premenstrual, depressive, and anxiety/stress symptoms, as well as the Executive Functioning Score of the ANT-R during the intervention period but not during the waitlist phase. However, we did not find significant changes in vmHRV or the Orienting Score of the ANT-R.
UNASSIGNED: These findings are promising, both in terms of the effectiveness of smartphone-based HRVB and its potential to alleviate premenstrual symptoms. Nevertheless, to provide a solid recommendation regarding the use of HRVB for improving premenstrual symptoms, further research with a larger sample size is needed to replicate these effects.

BACKGROUND: Premenstrual Syndrome significantly affects young women\'s quality of life, encompassing psychological and clinical symptoms. The aim of this study is to develop a comprehensive and reliable Premenstrual Syndrome Quality of Life Scale and identify factors that affect women\'s quality of life.
METHODS: A methodological and descriptive study was conducted to develop a Premenstrual Syndrome Quality of Life Scale in three phases. Initially, a literature review and qualitative interviews were conducted to generate an item pool. In the second phase, the validity and reliability of the scale were tested. Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis were used to confirm the validity and Cronbach\'s Alpha coefficient was calculated for reliability. In the final phase, the psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated.
RESULTS: A 28-item scale was developed in phase one. In Phase two 260 women were participated. Factor analysis confirmed the scale\'s validity with a KMO measure of 0.837 and significant Bartlett\'s Sphericity Test (p < 0.000). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit for the scale. Reliability analysis showed high reliability for the overall scale and subscales. Phase three included 212 participants diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome. There are no significant correlations between age, menarche age, and overall PMS Quality-of-Life scores. However, higher PMS severity and urban living negatively impact quality of life (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The Premenstrual Syndrome Quality of Life Scale provides a holistic assessment of premenstrual syndrome impact on women\'s lives, addressing physical, emotional, and social dimensions.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a disorder between gynecology and psychiatry which includes cognitive, affective, and somatic symptoms from mild to severe. The most severe form of PMS is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and it is considered a form of depressive disorder. An association between diet composition and the occurrence of PMS and its severity have been suggested. As such, this manuscript discusses the relationships between diet composition, dietary patterns and eating behaviors, and PMS. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched for related studies up to 18 January 2024. A text search with the following keywords singly or in combination was conducted: \"Premenstrual syndrome\", \"Nutrition\", \"Diet composition\", \"Dietary patterns\", and \"Eating behaviors\". Studies published so far showed that low intake of simple carbohydrates, fats, salt, and alcohol, and high of fresh, unprocessed foods rich in B vitamins, vitamin D, zinc, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the onset of PMS and reduce the severity of its symptoms. However, further studies are needed to formulate definitive recommendations for the use of vitamins, micronutrients and other dietary ingredients supplementation in women with PMS to improve functioning, overall well-being, and physical health. Large, randomized, double-blind clinical trials across diverse populations are necessary to formulate clear recommendations for supplementation in women with PMS.

BACKGROUND: In Ethiopia, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) was predominantly studied among university students who were in their early 20s; as a result, little is known about the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome among adolescent girls. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and identify factors associated with premenstrual syndrome among secondary school female students in the Dessie city administration, 2023.
METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving a sample of 630 participants. A structured self-administered data collection tool was used to gather the necessary information. To ensure data quality, the pretesting and training of the data collectors and supervisors were conducted. The collected data were entered into Epi-data software and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Frequency tables, graphs, means, and medians were used to describe the characteristics of the study participants. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify significant factors. Variables with a p-value ≤ 0.05 with 95% confidence interval (CI) of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) in the final multivariable logistic regression were reported as statistically significant factors associated with PMS. Model fitness was evaluated using the Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test.
RESULTS: In the present study, the prevalence of PMS was 22%, 95% CI = 19-26%.
METHODS: Age ≥ 18 years (AOR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.86), duration of menstruation ≥ 7 days (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI: 1.25, 10.37), presence of chronic illness (AOR = 2.08; 95% CI:1.04, 4.16), coffee intake (AOR = 6.05; 95% CI: 2.05, 17.87), alcohol intake (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.86), use of pain medication (AOR = 2.06; 95% CI:1.10, 3.86), use of hormonal contraceptives (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI:1.58, 9.62), sleep disturbance (AOR = 3.82; 95% CI: 2.29, 6.42) and physical exercise (AOR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.87) were significantly associated with PMS.
CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of students in this study were affected by premenstrual syndrome. Age, duration of menstruation, presence of chronic illness, coffee intake, use of pain medication, use of hormonal contraceptives, and sleep disturbance were significantly associated with PMS. Students should avoid excessive use of alcohol, coffee intake and use of pain medication without prescription.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a widely seen reproductive and endocrinological disorder. PCOS can exert substantial effects on many aspects of an individual\'s life, including reproductive health and psychological well-being. The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status, premenstrual syndrome, and mental health of women affected by PCOS in comparison to women without PCOS.
METHODS: A case-control observational study in Palestine included 100 PCOS patients and 200 healthy women. The collected data included socio-demographic information, medical history, premenstrual syndrome, mental health, nutritional status, and lifestyle. Anthropometric measurement and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) were used to evaluate the nutritional status. The General Health Questionnaire (12-GHQ) was used to evaluate the state of mental health. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) severity was evaluated using a validated Arabic premenstrual syndrome questionnaire.
RESULTS: The study\'s findings indicated that there was a statistically significant increase in the three dimensions of PMS among participants with PCOS, p < 0.05. Similarly, PCOS patients demonstrated elevated ratings across all aspects of mental health, p < 0.05. In terms of the other variables, it has been observed that PCOS patients have a notably greater prevalence of perceived sleep disturbances and decreased adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Regression analysis revealed that PCOS is associated with mental health problems indicated by a higher GHQ score (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03; 1.16, p < 0.05), lower adherence to the MD diet (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76; 0.98, p < 0.05), and pre-menstrual syndrome, especially the physical symptoms (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.003; 1.12, p < 0.05) after adjusting for age, smoking, waist-hip ratio, and body mass index (BMI).
CONCLUSIONS: The study has linked polycystic ovary syndrome to negative mental health outcomes and an increased severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Additional investigation is required in order to establish a causal association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and lifestyle behaviors within the Palestinian population. Intervention and instructional studies are necessary to investigate the efficacy of management strategies in alleviating the effects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on both physical and mental well-being.

OBJECTIVE: To confirm the efficacy and safety of Ganyushu Granule (GYSG) in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in patients with Gan (Liver) depression and qi stagnation syndrome (GDQSS) and determine its effective dosage.
METHODS: From June 2018 to March 2021, a total of 240 PMS women with GDQSS were included and randomly divided into 3 groups in a 1:1:1 ratio using central block randomization: high-dose GYSG group (n=78, GYSG 2 packs/time), low-dose GYSG group (n=82, GYSG and its simulant 1 pack/time), and placebo group (n=80, GYSG simulant 2 packs/time). Treatment with GYSG or placebo was given thrice daily and for up to 3 menstrual cycles. Primary outcomes were PMS diary (PMSD) score and premenstrual tension syndrome self-rating scale (PMTS). Secondary outcomes were Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome efficacy. PMSD, PMTS, and efficacy of CM were evaluated with menstrual cycles during the treatment period. Outcome indicators were analyzed after each menstrual cycle. All analyses were performed using an intention-to-treat method, and clinical safety was assessed.
RESULTS: Of the 216 patients included in the effectiveness analysis, 70, 75, and 71 patients were in the high-, low-dose GYSG, and placebo groups, respectively. From the 2nd treatment cycle, the change in PMSD scores in the high- and low-dose groups was lower than that in the placebo group (P<0.05). PMTS scores in the high-dose GYSG group after the 1st treatment cycle was lower than that in the placebo group (P<0.05), while after the 3rd treatment cycle, that in the low-dose group was lower than that in the placebo group (P<0.05). After the 2nd treatment cycle, the high-dose GYSG group had the best CM syndrome efficacy (P<0.05). No serious adverse reactions were reported.
CONCLUSIONS: GYSG was safe and well-tolerated at both doses for treating PMS patients with GDQSS. High-dose GYSG might be the optimal dose for a phase III trial. (Registration No. ChiCTR1800016595).

UNASSIGNED: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a depressive disorder affecting 5%-8% of people with menstrual cycles. Despite evidence that facial emotion detection is altered in depressive disorders, with enhanced detection of negative emotions (negativity bias), minimal research exists on premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
UNASSIGNED: The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms and the premenstrual phase on accuracy and intensity at detection of facial emotions.
UNASSIGNED: Cross-sectional quasi-experimental design.
UNASSIGNED: The Facial Emotion Detection Task was administered to 72 individuals assigned female at birth with no premenstrual dysphoric disorder (n = 30), and provisional PMDD (n = 42), based on a retrospective Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition-based measure of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Facial emotion detection was examined both irrespective of menstrual cycle phase, and as a function of premenstrual phase (yes, no). The task used neutral-to-emotional facial expression morphs (15 images/morph). Participants indicated the emotion detected for each image within the progressive intensity morph. For all six basic emotions (sad, angry, fearful, happy, disgust, and surprise), two scores were calculated: accuracy of responses and the intensity within the morph at which the correct emotion was first detected (image number).
UNASSIGNED: Individuals reporting moderate/severe symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder had more accurate and earlier detection of disgust, regardless of cycle phase. In addition, those with provisional premenstrual dysphoric disorder detected sad emotions earlier. A premenstrual dysphoric disorder group × cycle phase interaction also emerged: individuals reporting premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms were more accurate at detecting facial emotions during the premenstrual phase compared to the rest of the cycle, with a large effect size for sad emotions.
UNASSIGNED: The findings suggest enhanced facial emotion processing in individuals reporting symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, particularly for sadness and disgust. However, replication is required with larger samples and prospective designs. This premenstrual dysphoric disorder premenstrual emotion detection advantage suggests an adaptive cognitive mechanism in premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and challenges stigma surrounding premenstrual experiences.
Women with Severe Premenstrual Syndrome or Probable Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder are Better at Identifying Emotional Expressions on People’s Faces, Especially During the Premenstrual PhasePremenstrual dysphoric disorder is a depressive disorder affecting women where they experience emotional and physical symptoms during the premenstrual phase (i.e. the week before one’s period). It is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome. Research indicates that depression can affect facial emotion recognition. Accurately recognizing other people’s emotions is an important skill that helps us develop social connections and keep ourselves and others safe. Quick recognition of facial emotions allows us to understand and support others, and quickly identify dangerous situations by recognizing other people’s emotional responses. The goal of this study was to examine how premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms and the premenstrual phase may affect the ability of women to recognize and identify emotions on other people’s faces. A total of 72 women (42 with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, 30 without premenstrual dysphoric disorder) completed the Facial Emotion Detection Task. This task measured how accurate and early the women were able to detect happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust in faces. Women with moderate/severe symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder had more accurate and earlier detection of disgust, regardless of where they were in their menstrual cycle. Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder detected sad emotions earlier. Furthermore, women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder were more accurate at detecting facial emotions when they were tested in the premenstrual phase, and were especially more accurate in detecting sad emotions. The findings suggest that women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder are better at detecting facial emotions and show a premenstrual dysphoric disorder premenstrual emotion detection advantage. This tendency for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder to better detect emotions in others, particularly when they are in the premenstrual cycle phase, would have benefits. As one of the first reports of a potentially beneficial effect of premenstrual syndrome for women, the findings may help decrease stigma associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premenstrual syndrome. Further research is needed to replicate and extend these findings.

OBJECTIVE: Up to 80% of women of reproductive age are thought to experience premenstrual stress, which is characterised by physical, psychological, and behavioural changes. Yoga activity lowers harmful inflammatory secretions that provide comfort for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) sufferers.
METHODS: The following worldwide databases were searched for this systematic review: Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro, and Google Scholar from inception to August 2022.
METHODS: A PICOS framework (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Study Design) was used for searching. Population included those with premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual tension syndromes, intervention included yoga therapy, comparator was with control group, and outcome measures included blood pressure (SBP, DBP) and heart rate (HR).
METHODS: To evaluate the study, we employed the Methodological Index for Randomised Controlled Trials. Fixed effects meta-analysis and qualitative synthesis were conducted. A total of 14 studies out of 224 were included. The main outcome measures included in this review were SBP, DBP, HR, and Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MMDQ). For the meta-analysis, 7 studies were considered. 3 studies contributed data of SBP (mean difference (MD) = -0.30; 95% CI: -2.29 to 1.69; heterogenicity (I2) = 96%; P = 0.00001) and DBP (MD = -0.25; 95% CI: -0.99 to 0.49; I2 = 79%; P = 0.009). HR results from 4 studies were included (MD = 0.08; 95% CI: -0.83 to 0.99; I2 = 89%; P = 0.00001). 3 studies contributed data of MMDQ (MD = 1.50; 95% CI: 0.91 to 2.10; I2 = 92%; P = 0.00001.
CONCLUSIONS: Yoga can help people with both medical and psychological conditions including menstrual pain, irregular periods, stress, tension, and anxiety. It has been shown to lessen women\'s emotional, behavioural, and physical PMS symptoms, which has enhanced their quality of life.
OBJECTIVE: Jusqu\'à 80 % des femmes en âge de procréer connaîtraient un syndrome prémenstruel (SPM), qui se caractérise par des changements physiques, psychologiques et comportementaux. Les activités de yoga réduisent les sécrétions inflammatoires nocives et soulagent les symptômes du syndrome prémenstruel. SOURCE DES DONNéES: Pour cette revue systématique, des recherches ont été effectuées dans les bases de données mondiales Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro et Google Scholar pour la période allant de leur création au mois d\'août 2022. SéLECTION DES éTUDES: Une méthode PICOS (population, intervention, comparaison, résultat et conception de l\'étude) a été utilisée pour la recherche. La population à l\'étude incluait les personnes souffrant du syndrome prémenstruel ou d\'une tension prémenstruelle, l\'intervention incluait la thérapie par le yoga, le comparateur était le groupe témoin, et les critères de jugement comprenaient la pression artérielle (systolique et diastolique) et la fréquence cardiaque. EXTRACTION DES DONNéES ET SYNTHèSE: Pour évaluer l\'étude, nous avons utilisé l\'indice méthodologique pour les essais cliniques randomisés. Une méta-analyse à effet fixe et une synthèse qualitative ont été réalisées. Au total, 14 des 224 études relevées ont été retenues. Les critères de jugement principaux de cette revue étaient les pressions artérielles systolique et diastolique, la fréquence cardiaque et le questionnaire de détresse menstruelle de Moos. Dans la méta-analyse, 7 études ont été prises en compte. Au total, 3 études avaient des données sur la pression systolique (différence moyenne [DM] = -0,30; IC à 95 % : -2,29 à 1,69; hétérogénéité [I2] = 96 %; P = 0,00001) et la pression diastolique (DM = -0,25; IC à 95 % : -0,99 à 0,49; I2 = 79 %; P = 0,009). Les données de fréquence cardiaque de 4 études ont été incluses (DM = 0,08; IC à 95 % : -0,83 à 0,99; I2 = 89 %; P = 0,00001). Des données du questionnaire de Moos étaient disponibles pour 3 études (DM = 1,50; IC à 95 % : 0,91 à 2,10; I2 = 92 %; P = 0,00001).
CONCLUSIONS: Le yoga peut aider les personnes souffrant de troubles médicaux ou psychologiques, notamment les douleurs menstruelles, les menstruations irrégulières, le stress, les tensions et l\'anxiété. Les données montrent que le yoga atténue les symptômes émotionnels, comportementaux et physiques du syndrome prémenstruel chez les femmes, ce qui améliore leur qualité de vie.

UNASSIGNED: Some studies have examined the relationship between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and antenatal depression. However, retrospective designs were used to obtain the PMS experiences. Different from such earlier research, this study aims to investigate the association between PMS before pregnancy and antenatal depression with a prospective design.
UNASSIGNED: This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted among pregnant women. Premenstrual symptoms before pregnancy of the participants were obtained prospectively via a period tracking app. At the baseline of the RCT, 5073 women participated. Of those, 3004 had one or more symptom records related to menstruation 1 year before pregnancy. The outcome, antenatal depression, was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at the RCT baseline, and the cut-off value was set at 11. For covariates, age, education, planned pregnancy, and the number of children were also measured at the same time. Multiple logistic regression analyses were employed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of having antenatal depression, adjusting for the covariates.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 366 individuals who had three or more cycles of menstrual-related symptom records were included in the analyses, and of those 52 were applicable to PMS before pregnancy. There was no significant association between PMS and antenatal depression (adjusted OR = 1.28, P = 0.61).
UNASSIGNED: The present study was the first study to utilize a prospective design to obtain premenstrual symptoms. Future research should consider using a validated and objective measure of PMS diagnosis and a larger sample.

UNASSIGNED: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common condition among women during their menstrual cycle. PMS can negatively affect a woman\'s daily life and function. Nurses, as an important and substantial segment of healthcare staff, are affected by the demanding environment of work place. Since PMS, as a prevalent counterproductive condition, has not been studied in this population in Iran, we assessed the prevalence of PMS and its associated factors among nurses aged 23 to 49 in teaching hospitals of the Tehran province of Iran.
UNASSIGNED: In this cross-sectional study from April 2021 to January 2022, 280 participants from teaching hospitals were enrolled. Simple random sampling was used to determine the sample size of the study. Two validated questionnaires and a data gathering sheet were used to collect information. The premenstrual symptoms screening tool was used to determine PMS severity and the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire to evaluate the associated job demands. Demographic data and work-related data included: night shift, shift type, monthly COVID-19 care and gynecologic and past medical history were gathered. Then data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis, chi-square and t-test.
UNASSIGNED: The severity of PMS was: mild (42.5%); moderate (30%); and severe (27.5%). Regular menstruation and dysmenorrhea were reported by 84.6% and 72.3%, respectively. Moderate to severe PMS was associated with: monthly COVID shift (p=0.02); emotional (p<0.01) and quantitative (p<0.01) demands; regular caffeine intake (p=0.01); education level (p=0.005); regular exercise (p=0.003); regular fiber intake (p=0.08); and irregular menstrual cycles (p=0.007). In logistic regression only quantitative (p=0.003) and emotional (p=0.018) job demands were significant.
UNASSIGNED: Results showed that the prevalence of PMS was high among Iranian nurses and was associated with quantitative and emotional job demands. We suggest further studies focusing on preventative and effective interventions to diminish the consequences of PMS in this population. We also suggest investigating the practical application of the findings of this study for healthcare professionals and policymakers.