All issues > Volume 42(10); 1999

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 1999;42(10):1434-1440. Published online October 15, 1999.

Dysmenorrhea and Premenstrual Syndrome of School Girls in Ansan

Yong Kyu YK Sohn¹, Yo Ahn YA Rho¹, Young Kyoo YK Shin¹, Baik Lin BL Eun¹, Sang Hee SH Park¹, Young Chang YC Tockgo¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Korea University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Abstract

Purpose
: Menstrual disorders are very common problems in adolescence. Most of them are minor, including mild dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome(PMS) and minor variations in cycle, length, or amount of flow. Dysmenorrhea is the most prevalent among them while PMS is a nebulous condition characterized by a broad spectrum of symptoms. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between dysmenorrhea and PMS in adolescents.
Methods
: This cross sectional study on dysmenorrhea and PMS was performed in 1153 junior high school girls in Ansan. We researched the clinical aspects of PMS and investigated the correlation between menstrual characteristics and PMS in adolescents.
Results
: The results are as follows : The incidence of PMS is 66.3%. The correlation of menstrual characteristics and severity of PMS was as follows : intensity of menstrual flow(P<0.01), duration of menstrual flow(P<0.05). The correlation of severity between dysmenorrhea and PMS is found(P<0.01).
Conclusion
: Korean adolescents have many problems related to dysmenorrhea and PMS. This study indicates that Korean adolescents need to be educated on the matter and treatment of their menstrual disorders are also needed.

Keywords :Dysmenorrhea, Premenstrual syndrome