The relationship between body mass index, body composition and premenstrual syndrome prevalence in girls

Abstract

Objectives: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a cluster of physical and emotional symptoms occurring in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The study aim was to determine the relationship between PMS, and state of nutrition expressed as Body Mass Index (BMI) and body composition in 18-year-old females. Material and methods:The study was conducted on 476 women divided into two groups i.e. those suffering from PMS (n = 233) and those without symptoms (n = 243). The women were examined during their luteal phase using bioelectrical impedance analysis to determine their body composition. Height and weight were measured using digital medical scales with an electronic height rod. BMI was calculated thus: BMI = body mass (weight) (kg)/height (m 2 ). The subjects were divided into two sub-groups: BMI < 25 kg/m 2 and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 . Statistical analysis was carried out using STATISTICA 10 PL software and the Mann-Whitney test. Results:The women with normal BMI suffered from PMS twice as often as the women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 (68.2% vs. 31.8%). There were significantly higher values for Fat Mass (FM) (%) (p < 0.01) and FM (kg) (p < 0.001) in women without PMS, and significantly higher values for Fat-Free Mass (FFM) (%) (p < 0.001) and Total Body Water (TBW) (%) (p < 0.001) in women with PMS. Higher values were reported for FFM (kg) and TBW (kg) (p < 0.05) in girls with PMS and BMI ≥ 25. Conclusions:These results show PMS is more frequent in patients with BMI < 25, and less frequent in patients with higher FM (kg) and FM (%). Moreover, significant frequency of PMS was observed in patients with higher FFM and TBW. Such statistical significance was not confirmed in girls with a BMI < 25.

Risk Factors of Overweight and Obesity Related to Diet and Disordered Eating Attitudes in Adolescent Girls with Clinical Features of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

“…In this model, the accuracy of measurement for the individual components, including adipose tissue, is 100 g. The measurements of fat mass (FM) were expressed as a percentage (%) and kilograms (kg). Full details of this method have been described elsewhere [26,27].…”

Premenstrual Syndrome as a Sleep Disturbing Factor: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Almost 50-90% of the women of reproductive age undergo at least one psychological or physical manifestation of premenstrual symptoms, but only 30-40% of them report PMS symptoms which need treatment [1,2]. Although the causes of PMS still remain unknown, lifestyle factors such as coffee intake, alcohol consumption, regular exercise and BMI have been claimed to be related with PMS [3][4][5][6]. Basically, PMS affects women's quality of life negatively [7] and may lead to the increased use of healthcare system, which in turn may cause economic burden; therefore, a greater understanding of this syndrome by clinicians is required [8,9].…”

Metrorrhagia iuvenilis and Premenstrual Syndrome as frequent problems of adolescent gynecology with aspects of diet therapy

“…Due to this considerable discrepancy, it is necessary to make the definition of PMS more precise. Patients with PMS experience mood disturbances together with physical and emotional symptoms, which recur in the luteal phase and disappear in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle [24,25].…”

“…At such times, women very often have a craving for something sweet. An increase in body weight of 2 to 4 kg usually disappears in the first days of menstruation [24][25][26][27].…”

“…Since they are modifiable factors, PMS treatment should include a balanced diet and physical activity, which will help to modify not only body mass but also fat mass. Further studies on PMS women should also offer recommendations for lifestyle interventions [24].…”