Premenstrual Syndrome: Symptomatic and Diagnosed Prevalence, Dualistic Treatment Approach – A Cross‑Sectional Study in Ukraine

Abstract

Background: Diagnosing and treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) still pose a challenge in the routine medical practice which usually focuses on single pharmacological therapy. Recent research suggests that the combination of treatments including complementary alternative
medicine (CAM) therapies may be more benefcial. The objective of this study was to assess the percentage of diagnosed and nondiagnosed PMS/premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) based on the presence of adequate symptoms and to compare population using hormonal or pharmaceutical agents versus CAM therapies.

Methods: This is a cross‑sectional study targeting sample population
of 160 females of potentially reproductive age done in Ukraine between May 2014 and April 2015.

Results: According to declared symptoms, 29% females versus 26% previously diagnosed by a medical professional qualify for “moderate/severe PMS,” P > 0.05. In 30% persons using pharmacological agents, major side effects, namely, nausea, insomnia, headache was caused by painkillers, contraceptives, and antidepressants. Only 37.5% of study population has been using CAM therapy methods to deal with the symptoms of PMS. Of these, 22% have achieved moderate degree in relief of the symptoms long term.

Conclusions: We have concluded that when dealing with the burden of PMS/PMDD, the affected treatment‑seeking women should have choice and access to the variety of therapies within integrative medicine (both conventional and nonconventional).

Keywords: Complementary alternative medicine, cross‑sectional study, premenstrual dysphoric
disorder, premenstrual syndrome