Premenstrual Syndrome: The Experience from a Sample of Sri Lankan Adolescents

SettingGovernment schools of Colombo.Main Outcome MeasuresPremenstrual symptomatology (PMS) was determined by a modified version of Premenstrual Symptom screening tool and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) diagnostic criteria were used in categorizing study units as having PMS. Other outcome measures were demographic and reproductive factors thought to be correlates of PMS, health seeking behavior for premenstrual symptoms, and how premenstrual symptoms impact their daily life.ResultsIndividual premenstrual symptoms were experienced by 65.7% of the population. The most common somatic symptom was fatigue (29.9%) and affective symptom was feeling sad/hopeless (29.6%). Prevalence of PMS was 8.75% (95%CI: 6.43–11.07). Multivariate analysis revealed the presence of: chronic physical illness (P = 0.001); dysmenorrhea (P < 0.0001), and regular menstrual cycles (P = 0.006) as correlates of PMS. Presence of PMS significantly disturbed “in school” activities, relationships and daily routines (P < 0.005) indicating a high negative influence on adolescents’ daily life. Only 9.7% sought help from (western) medical practitioners for their premenstrual symptoms and a majority has not perceived it as a condition to report.ConclusionPremenstrual syndrome is a common condition among adolescent schoolgirls with a high negative influence on their daily life. The health care seeking behavior is poor, indicating the necessity to address the subject at adolescent reproductive health programs.