PREMENSTRUAL SYMPTOMS AND THE FEMALE EMPLOYEE

Abstract

A survey was taken of working women concerning any premenstrual symptoms they may have experienced and the self-reported effects) on their job productivity. The sample consisted of n = 197 completed survey instruments. The most commonly listed symptoms (listed by more than 50% of the respondents) were: irritability, bloating, mood changes, depression, weight gain, headaches, and anger. These symptoms were reported as affecting job performance by 57% of the women and 40% indicated feeling less productive during the onset of premenstrual symptoms. The symptoms of mood changes, irritability, anger, and depression were significantly correlated with lower job performance as reported by the women. When the sample was divided into three groups based on age, there were no significant differences in the reporting of premenstrual symptoms and the severity of the symptoms. However, the three groups did show significant differences in the way the symptoms were reported to have affected their job performance. The younger group of women had a significantly higher proportion of respondents reporting that their premenstrual symptoms were adversely affecting their lives and job performance/productivity. Finally, when the sample was divided between managerial and non-managerial women, no significant differences were found.