J Korean Soc Menopause.  2010 Dec;16(3):153-161.

Differences in Dietary Intake and Life-style of Female College Students in Seoul with and without Premenstrual Syndrome

• Lim H
• Park Y

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We examined the association between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dietary intake and lifestyle risk factors of 203 female college students in Seoul.
METHODS
PMS was diagnosed using the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ), and dietary intake was accessed by a food frequency questionnaire.
RESULTS
Fifteen percent of students were diagnosed with PMS; there were no significant differences with respect to age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of the students with and without PMS symptoms. Students with PMS recognized their PMS symptoms, experienced significantly more severe PMS symptoms, and received more treatment and had more stress compared with students without PMS. Interestingly, students with PMS had greater alcohol intake and consumed more animal calcium than students with PMS. However, the intake of other nutrients was not significantly different between students with and without PMS.
CONCLUSION
Out data suggest that students with PMS should increase intake of animal calcium and find ways to reduce stress.

Keyword

Dietary intake; Female college students; Lifestyle risk factors; Premenstrual syndrome

MeSH Terms

Animals
Body Mass Index
Calcium
Female
Humans
Life Style
Premenstrual Syndrome
Risk Factors
Surveys and Questionnaires
Calcium