RIYADH, 11 February 2004 — A survey of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) among Saudi women has established a close relationship between PMS and a high intake of both sweets and caffeinated beverages. The survey included 488 Saudi women aged from 17-27 and was conducted by Dr. Parveen Rasheed and Dr. Latifa Saad Al-Sowielem of the College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Dammam.
A majority of these women reported having PMS symptoms in varying degrees.
Among the symptoms of PMS are acne, anger, anxiety, breast pain, depression, heavy menstrual flow and mood swings. In the survey, the investigators found a significant link between the severity of PMS and the consumption of such foods as chocolates, cakes and desserts.
The study also notes that aerobic exercise seems to have more beneficial effects on PMS than anaerobic exercise, especially with regard to premenstrual depression.
The study stresses the need for educating Saudi girls about the importance of limiting intake of confectionary items as excessive sugar consumption has also been implicated in the incidence of diabetes. The investigators also referred to another study in which there is a strong link between tea consumption and PMS.
