Effect of consumption of soy isoflavones on behavioural, somatic and affective symptoms in women with premenstrual syndrome

Up to 80 % of the Western female population experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Long-term pharmacological therapy is unacceptable to most women, and is not warranted for moderate symptoms. Nutritional therapies are popular, but lack a clear evidence base. Anecdotal evidence suggests beneficial effects of soy isoflavones because of their influence on endogenous oestrogen and actions on specific tissues. The effect of isolated soya protein (ISP) containing 68 mg/d (aglycone equivalents) soy isoflavones (IF) on premenstrual symptom severity was studied in a seven-menstrual cycle, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover intervention study in twenty-three women with prospectively confirmed PMS aged 18–35 years and BMI 19–30 kg/m2. ISP containing IF or milk protein placebo was consumed for two complete menstrual cycles. ISP containing IF (genistein, daidzein, equol) were measured in 24 h urine samples. After two cycles of ISP containing IF intervention, total symptoms (F(2,36)8·20,P=0·000) and physical symptoms (F(2,36)8·18,P=0·000) were significantly reduced compared with baseline after both active and placebo treatments, although differences between active and placebo treatment were non-significant. Specific premenstrual symptoms, headache (F(2,32)4·10,P=0·026) and breast tenderness (F(2,32)4·59,P=0·018), were reduced from baseline after soy IF, but not milk protein placebo. Cramps (F(2,32)4·15,P=0·025) and swelling (F(2,32)4·64,P=0·017) were significantly lower after active treatment compared with placebo. Concentrations of genistein and daidzein were increased following soy IF consumption, but equol production did not enhance symptom reduction. The present study showed that ISP containing IF may have potential to reduce specific premenstrual symptoms via non-classical actions.

Download Full-text

Prevalence of Premenstrual Symptoms and Symptom Severity among Female Medical Students - An Institutional Study

Journal of Evidence Based Medicine and Healthcare ◽

10.18410/jebmh/2021/7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (01) ◽

pp. 33-36

Author(s):

Neelam Banga ◽

Gagandeep Kaur ◽

Gunjeet Singh Sandhu ◽

Sukhwinder Singh ◽

Avneesh Kumar

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Premenstrual Syndrome ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Premenstrual Symptom ◽

Premenstrual Symptoms ◽

Medical College ◽

Daily Record ◽

Menstrual Distress ◽

Severe Degree

BACKGROUND Premenstrual symptoms are generally seen 7 - 10 days before the menstruation period and are collectively called as premenstrual syndrome. Dysmenorrhea is the most common premenstrual symptom that affects the lifestyle and activity of young women. This study was aimed at estimating the prevalence of premenstrual symptoms and its severity in female medical student population of Government Medical college, Patiala, Punjab. METHODS 500 female medical students aged between 18 - 28 years were included in the study. Female students were asked to fill preformed questionnaire to elicit gynaecological information as well as the 4-point grading scale menstrual distress questionnaires. Symptoms were divided into two groups: physical symptoms and behavioural / psychological symptoms. RESULTS Only 30.24 % of the students reported one or more symptoms; of these, 22.76 % were having mild, 5.6 % moderate and 1.87 % severe degree of symptoms. From physical and behavioural / psychological symptoms, it was noticed that behavioural / psychological symptoms predominate. Among physical symptoms, breast tenderness is experienced most followed by bloating, and weight gain during premenstrual phase. Among psychological / behavioural symptoms, irritability predominates followed by restlessness & mood swings. CONCLUSIONS Diagnosis is best achieved through daily rating symptoms over at least one menstrual cycle; clinicians can ask patients to choose their worst symptoms and chart the severity daily, or can select a validated scale such as the Daily Record of Severity of Problems. Disappearance of symptoms after menstruation is the key to diagnosis. KEYWORDS Premenstrual Syndrome, Depressive Disorder, Prevalence, Dysmenorrhea

Download Full-text

The Effect of Vitamin D Supplement Consumption on Premenstrual Syndrome in Vitamin D-Deficient Young Girls: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Complementary Medicine Research ◽

10.1159/000500016 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 26 (5) ◽

pp. 336-342 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Reihaneh Abdollahi ◽

Behnaz Abiri ◽

Parvin Sarbakhsh ◽

Maryam Kashanian ◽

Mohammadreza Vafa

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Placebo Group ◽

Premenstrual Syndrome ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Activity Level ◽

Double Blind ◽

Premenstrual Symptoms ◽

Double Blind Placebo ◽

Young Girls ◽

Significant Difference

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) alludes to a cyclic advent of somatic and psychiatric symptoms that affect some women of reproductive age. Some studies demonstrated that vitamin D was associated with premenstrual symptoms. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of PMS in vitamin D-deficient young girls. Methods: In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 130 vitamin D-deficient girls aged 18–30 years, with PMS, were randomly divided into 2 groups and received a 2,000 IU vitamin D tablet (n = 64) or a placebo (n = 66) every other day for 12 weeks. At the beginning and at the end of week 12, serum 25(OH)-D, premenstrual symptoms, anthropometric indices, dietary intake, physical activity level, and sun exposure were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Serum 25(OH)-D levels were significantly elevated in the vitamin D group in comparison to the placebo group after 12 weeks (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups with regard to 14 symptoms of PMS after 12 weeks of intervention, even after adjustment for the baseline values of anxiety, weeping, and hypersomnia (for all symptoms, p > 0.05). However, in the vitamin D group, scores of nervousness (p < 0.001), job activity reduction (p = 0.01), social activity reduction (p = 0.01), fatigue (p < 0.001), and physical symptoms (p = 0.00) were reduced at the end of the intervention, and these changes were statistically significant compared to baseline. However, these alterations did not reach significance compared with the placebo group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: It seems that 2,000 IU vitamin D consumption in the vitamin D-deficient young girls with PMS every other day for 12 weeks had no significant impact on other PMS symptoms.

Download Full-text

Psychometric Properties of a DSM-5-Based Screening Tool for Women's Perceptions of Premenstrual Symptoms

Psychological Reports ◽

10.1177/0033294120979696 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 003329412097969

Author(s):

Meghan A. Richards ◽

Kirsten A. Oinonen

Keyword(s):

Psychometric Properties ◽

Screening Tool ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Premenstrual Symptom ◽

Future Research ◽

Premenstrual Symptoms ◽

Screening Measure ◽

Dsm 5 ◽

Symptom Screening ◽

Women’S Perceptions

A premenstrual screening tool is needed when time constraints and attrition limit the feasibility of daily ratings. The present study examines the utility of a novel, 33-item, retrospective, dimensional, DSM-5-based, screening measure developed to explore women’s perceptions of premenstrual symptomatology. This is the first measure that examines perception of impairment for each DSM-5 symptom and assesses the frequency criterion. Participants (N = 331) reported symptoms ranging from none to a level consistent with a provisional DSM-5 diagnosis of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Initial psychometric properties indicated a five-factor structure: (1) affective symptoms; (2) fatigue, sleep, and anhedonia; (3) symptom frequency; (4) impairment and severity of appetite change and physical symptoms; and (5) difficulty concentrating. The total symptom scale and the frequency, severity, and impairment subscales demonstrated high internal consistency. Strong correlations between this dimensional measure and other retrospective and prospective premenstrual symptom measures suggest strong convergent, concurrent, and predictive validity. Premenstrual symptom groups created using this screening measure (minimal, mild/moderate, severe) differed on other retrospective and prospective measures of premenstrual symptoms. There was evidence of divergent validity and lack of an acquiescence bias. We also report data describing women’s perceptions of the frequency, level of impairment, and level of severity for each DSM-5 PMDD symptom over a 12-month period and discuss implications for future research on premenstrual phenomenology. Initial evidence for the reliability and construct validity of this symptom screening measure suggests potential value for assessing premenstrual symptomatology in research and practice.

Download Full-text

A study of impact of stress: examinations on menstrual cycle among medical students

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences ◽

10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20195542 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (12) ◽

pp. 4703 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Anant Kumar Rathi ◽

Megha Agrawal ◽

Girish Chandra Baniya

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Menstrual Cycle ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Adolescent Girls ◽

Premenstrual Syndrome ◽

Premenstrual Symptom ◽

Premenstrual Symptoms ◽

Dsm 5 ◽

Exam Stress ◽

Moderate Stress

Background: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), a common problem among adolescent girls, is associated with various physical, mental and behavioral symptoms that lead to social and occupational impairment. Stress has also been hypothesized to be an important etiologic factor. Examination stress may also be responsible for affecting the premenstrual symptoms. The objectives of this study was to study the impact of exam stress on the menstrual cycle and the relationship of perceived stress with the severity of premenstrual symptoms. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted among female medical students of final MBBS, who were candidate of upcoming exams. They were assessed on semi structured socio-demographic and menstrual history proforma, ACOG guidelines, DSM-5 criteria, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Premenstrual Symptom Screening Tool (PSST).Results: As per ACOG guidelines, 66% participants had PMS and 6% participants had PMDD according to DSM-5 criteria. On PSST total 88% participants had premenstrual symptoms and out of them 58% had mild/no PMS while 30% had moderate to severe PMS. 5% participants also fulfilled criteria for PMDD on PSST. Stress was found to be mild in 26% and moderate in 74% participants on PSS. PMS was found in 93.75% participants who had painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) and this association was statistically significant. Data wise 73.1% participants having mild stress had PMS, while 93.2% participants having moderate stress, had PMS and this association was found to be statistically significant. Surprisingly not a single participant consulted to any health care provider for their menstruation related problems.Conclusions: Premenstrual Syndrome is common in adolescent girls and exam stress is an important etiological factor. PMS/PMDD was found significantly higher in participants who had dysmenorrhea and moderate stress. A positive and highly significant correlation was also found between the severity of stress and severity of premenstrual symptoms.

Download Full-text

A Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Randomized Trial with Individualized Homeopathic Treatment Using a Symptom Cluster Approach in Women with Premenstrual Syndrome

Homeopathy ◽

10.1055/s-0039-1691834 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 108 (04) ◽

pp. 256-269

Author(s):

Michal Yakir ◽

Christien T. Klein-Laansma ◽

Shulamith Kreitler ◽

Amnon Brzezinski ◽

Menachem Oberbaum ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Trial ◽

Premenstrual Syndrome ◽

Treatment Protocol ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Premenstrual Symptom ◽

Random Allocation ◽

Double Blind ◽

Intention To Treat ◽

Symptom Profile ◽

Menstrual Distress

Background In a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial with parallel groups, the efficacy of individually prescribed homeopathic medicines was evaluated in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Methods In an outpatient department of a university clinic in Jerusalem, Israel (1996–1999), women with PMS, aged 18 to 50 years, entered a 2-month screening phase with prospective daily recording of premenstrual symptoms by the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ). They were included after being diagnosed with PMS. A reproducible treatment protocol was used: women received a homeopathic prescription based on symptom clusters identified in a questionnaire. The symptoms were verified during a complementary, structured, interview. Only women whose symptoms matched the symptom profile of one of 14 pre-selected homeopathic medicines were included. Each participant was administered active medicine or placebo via random allocation. Primary outcome measures were differences in changes in mean daily premenstrual symptom (PM) scores by the MDQ. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. Results A total of 105 women were included: 49 were randomized to active medicine and 56 to placebo. Forty-three women in the active medicine group and 53 in the placebo group received the allocated intervention with at least one follow-up measurement and their data were analyzed. Significantly greater improvement of mean PM scores was measured in the active medicine group (0.443 [standard deviation, SD, 0.32] to 0.287 [SD, 0.20]) compared to placebo (0.426 [SD, 0.34] to 0.340 [SD, 0.39]); p = 0.043. Conclusions Individually prescribed homeopathic medicines were associated with significantly greater improvement of PM scores in women with PMS, compared to placebo. Replication, with larger sample size and other refinements, is recommended to confirm the efficacy of this treatment in other settings.

Download Full-text

Binge eating symptoms are associated with the severity of premenstrual symptoms among university students, cross sectional study from Palestine

Journal of Eating Disorders ◽

10.1186/s40337-021-00425-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Manal M. Badrasawi ◽

Souzan J. Zidan ◽

Nihal Natour ◽

Israa Sharif ◽

Shahd Atrash ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Binge Eating ◽

Premenstrual Syndrome ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Childbearing Age ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Premenstrual Symptoms ◽

Chi Square Analysis

Abstract Background Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is considered one of the most prevailing disorders among childbearing age women that could considerably interfere with daily living activities life. PMS is underrecognized in Palestine. It is reported that binge eating symptoms are significantly related to premenstrual syndrome. In this regard, the study aimed to determine factors linked with premenstrual symptoms and to explore whether binge eating symptoms are linked with premenstrual syndrome. Methods This descriptive study was performed among female undergraduates at Palestine Polytechnic University, using a cross-sectional design. A self-administrated questionnaire was used in order to collect data. Moreover, participants’ nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test and Chi-square were performed. Results A sum of 289 undergraduate females were involved in the final analysis. The results indicated that nearly half of undergraduates (47.8%) were classified as having binge eating symptoms. The most frequently noted premenstrual symptoms were lethargy, anger feelings, lack of interest, and anxiety. Chi-square analysis showed that moderate and severe psychological symptoms were significantly more prevalent among females with binge eating symptoms. Besides it was found that moderate and severe physical symptoms were significantly more prevalent among females with binge eating symptoms. Moreover, participants who reported no premenstrual syndrome symptoms were significantly less prevalent among females with binge eating symptoms. The findings also reveal that sociodemographic characteristics was not significantly correlated with premenstrual syndrome symptoms. In multiple adjusted models, both smoking (p < 0.05) and binge eating (p < 0.0001) were significantly related to PMS. Conclusion Findings reveals that moderate and severe psychological and physical symptoms were significantly more prevalent among females with binge eating symptoms. The current research also reported that the severity of PMS was not significantly related to sociodemographic variables.

Download Full-text

Effectiveness of natural S-equol supplement for premenstrual symptoms: protocol of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023314 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (7) ◽

pp. e023314 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Takashi Takeda ◽

Masami Shiina ◽

Yasutaka Chiba

Keyword(s):

Controlled Trial ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Double Blind ◽

Premenstrual Symptoms ◽

Significance Level ◽

Receptor Modulator ◽

Daily Record ◽

Mean Differences ◽

Student’S T

IntroductionPremenstrual syndrome (PMS) comprises a range of mood, behavioural and physical symptoms, and impairs many women’s quality of life. Isoflavones are expected to stabilise the natural fluctuation of the oestrogen cycle through their selective oestrogen receptor modulator-like activities that alleviate PMS symptoms. Equol, a metabolite of a soy isoflavone converted from daidzein by specific gut bacteria, has a greater bioavailability compared with other soy isoflavones. We aim to examine the effect of natural S-equol supplements on premenstrual symptoms.Methods and analysisThis study will enrol 124 women (aged 20–45 years) who have PMS symptoms and are non-equol producers in a double-blind, parallel, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, in which they will receive natural S-equol supplement (equol 10 mg a day) or placebo, orally, twice daily, for three menstrual cycles. The primary outcome measure (Daily Record of Severity of Problems total score) will be assessed during intervention cycles. To compare the primary outcomes between the S-equol group and the placebo group, the mean differences in the Daily Record of Severity of Problems total score between the two groups will be determined. The p values will be determined using Student’s t-test, where the significance level is 5% (two-sided).Ethics and disseminationThe institutional review board at Kindai University approved the study. The findings of this trial will be submitted to an international peer-reviewed journal. Abstracts will be submitted to national and international conferences.Trial registration numberUMIN000031815.

Download Full-text

PREVALENCE OF PREMENSTRUAL SYMPTOMS AMONG BULGARIAN WOMEN

Proceedings of CBU in Medicine and Pharmacy ◽

10.12955/pmp.v2.187 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

pp. 139-143

Author(s):

Diana Popova-Dobreva

Keyword(s):

Premenstrual Syndrome ◽

Emotional Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Alternative Therapies ◽

Premenstrual Symptom ◽

Frequent Change ◽

Premenstrual Symptoms ◽

Treatment And Prevention ◽

Negative Effect

INTRODUCTION: Premenstrual symptoms are common and can worsen women's quality of life. This study examines the prevalence of premenstrual symptoms such as weight gain; swelling of ankles, feet, and hands; frequent change of mood; fatigue; difficulty concentrating; depression; nervousness and irritability; and nausea. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are: (1) to reveal the prevalence of premenstrual symptoms among Bulgarian women and (2) to establish how the presence of premenstrual symptoms affects the Emotional well-being of women. METHODS: The applied methodology includes an online-based anonymous study, which focuses on the prevalence of premenstrual symptoms among Bulgarian women and their emotional health. A characteristic of the studied contingent on age, BMI, and physical activity was made. RESULTS: The results of 126 women surveyed were analyzed. Of these, 96.8% have at least one premenstrual symptom. 30.2% have one or two symptoms, 43.7% have 3-4 symptoms and 23% have 5-8 symptoms. 14.8% of women with symptoms reported worsening of their symptoms because of increased stress associated with COVID-19. There is a statistically significant correlation between the number of symptoms and the emotional well-being of women. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of premenstrual symptoms is common among the studied Bulgarian women. A greater number of symptoms has a negative effect on women's emotional well-being. We consider it appropriate to introduce the application of physiotherapeutic methods as well as alternative therapies for the treatment and prevention of premenstrual syndrome.

Download Full-text

Patterns and Predictors of Premenstrual Symptoms among Females Working in a Psychiatry Hospital

Scientifica ◽

10.1155/2016/6943852 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sunita Kumari ◽

Ankur Sachdeva

Keyword(s):

Premenstrual Syndrome ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Somatic Symptoms ◽

Educational Status ◽

Premenstrual Symptom ◽

Premenstrual Symptoms ◽

Nuclear Families ◽

Sociodemographic Profile ◽

Higher Educational ◽

Specific Profile

Introduction. Premenstrual syndrome presents with vague psychological, somatic, or biological symptoms. It may be seen more commonly in a specific profile of patients. We try to evaluate the patterns and predictors of premenstrual symptoms among females working in a tertiary care psychiatry hospital.Methodology. We recruited working females at a tertiary care psychiatry hospital in India, through purposive sampling, and assessed them cross-sectionally. Premenstrual Symptom Checklist was used to assess the frequency and distribution of premenstrual symptoms, which were correlated with various sociodemographic variables to evaluate the predictors for premenstrual symptoms.Results. 150 working females were included, belonging to different sociodemographic profile. Somatic symptoms (backache, joint and muscles pain, and fatiguability) were most commonly reported followed by psychological (irritability and losing temper easily) and biological symptoms (increased micturition). Premenstrual symptoms were seen more commonly in women with higher educational status and nursing profession and residing in nuclear families (p<0.05), while age and marital status did not correlate significantly.Discussion. Premenstrual symptoms are common and distressing, especially for working females. Somatic symptoms such as backache and joint pains predominate over psychobiological symptoms. Women with higher educational status and professions like nursing belonging to nuclear families are more prone to these symptoms. Attention needs to be given to premenstrual symptoms in such population of working females.

Download Full-text

Soy and Frequent Dairy Consumption with Subsequent Equol Production Reveals Decreased Gut Health in a Cohort of Healthy Puerto Rican Women

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18168254 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (16) ◽

pp. 8254

Author(s):

Mercedes Y. Lacourt-Ventura ◽

Brayan Vilanova-Cuevas ◽

Delmarie Rivera-Rodríguez ◽

Raysa Rosario-Acevedo ◽

Christine Miranda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiota ◽

Puerto Rican ◽

Soy Isoflavones ◽

Gut Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Female Population ◽

Puerto Rican Women ◽

Dairy Consumption ◽

Incidence And Mortality ◽

Next Generation Sequencing Ngs

The U.S. Hispanic female population has one of the highest breast cancer (BC) incidence and mortality rates, while BC is the leading cause of cancer death in Puerto Rican women. Certain foods may predispose to carcinogenesis. Our previous studies indicate that consuming combined soy isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, and glycitein) promotes tumor metastasis possibly through increased protein synthesis activated by equol, a secondary dietary metabolite. Equol is a bacterial metabolite produced in about 20–60% of the population that harbor and exhibit specific gut microbiota capable of producing it from daidzein. The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of equol production in Puerto Rican women and identify the equol producing microbiota in this understudied population. Herein, we conducted a cross-sectional characterization of equol production in a clinically based sample of eighty healthy 25–50 year old Puerto Rican women. Urine samples were collected and evaluated by GCMS for the presence of soy isoflavones and metabolites to determine the ratio of equol producers to equol non-producers. Furthermore, fecal samples were collected for gut microbiota characterization on a subset of women using next generation sequencing (NGS). We report that 25% of the participants were classified as equol producers. Importantly, the gut microbiota from equol non-producers demonstrated a higher diversity. Our results suggest that healthy women with soy and high dairy consumption with subsequent equol production may result in gut dysbiosis by having reduced quantities (diversity) of healthy bacterial biomarkers, which might be associated to increased diseased outcomes (e.g., cancer, and other diseases).

Download Full-text