Sociability and irritability are commonly cited symptoms of premenstrual syndrome but there has been little investigation of these cycle related changes using clearly defined test instruments. We examined the two symptoms using symptom specific subscales from the Multiscore Depression Inventory (Berndt, 1983). Clear and consistent cycle related changes in irritability and sociability were seen in 20 women with prospectively validated symptomatic premenstrual change but not in a control group of 8 women without symptomatic premenstrual change. The study suggests that these variables can be measured using specific brief scales.
Fluid intake was measured at 3 phases of the menstrual cycle in twenty women with prospectively validated premenstrual syndrome and 8 women with prospectively validated absence of cyclic symptoms. There was no cycle related change in fluid intake in either group but fluid intake was significantly lower in women with PMS than in controls at all phases of the menstrual cycle. All subjects but one denied voluntary fluid restriction. The mechanism, therefore, appears subconscious and may be related to perceived increase in fluid retention.
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