Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in Japanese Collegiate Athletes

Abstract

Study objective: To determine the prevalence and impact of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in Japanese collegiate athletes, with a focus on their disruption of athletic performance.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: A university in Osaka, the largest city in western Japan.

Participants: 232 female collegiate athletes.

Main outcome measures: Premenstrual symptoms and social activities.

Results: The prevalence of each premenstrual symptom was high. The prevalence of moderate to severe PMS and PMDD was 8.6% and 2.9%, respectively, the same as in general high school students. The athletic performance of 44.3% of athletes was found to suffer in a game or in practice. "Elite athletes" (OR 8.63, 95% CI: 1.22-120.0), "Difficulty concentrating" (OR 3.15, 95% CI: 1.05-10.6), and "Fatigue or lack of energy" (OR 5.92, 95% CI: 1.32-34.5) increased the risk of poor athletic performance.

Conclusions: This study showed that premenstrual symptoms affect not only the daily activities but also the athletic performance of collegiate athletes.

Keywords: Athletic performance; Collegiate athlete; PMDD; PMS.