Commonalities in Health History, Diet and Lifestyle amongst Women attending a student Nutritional Therapy Clinic for help with Self-reported Premenstrual Syndrome: A retrospective multiple case study

By Beth Hughes - Nutrition Science and Practice

Abstract

Background

Over half of pre-menopausal women in the UK experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Population studies have identified many diet and lifestyle factors associated with PMS, but there is little understanding of the presentation and interaction of these elements within individuals.

Aim

To investigate the commonalities in health history, diet and lifestyle amongst women seeking help for PMS at a nutritional therapy teaching clinic.

Methodology

A qualitative retrospective multiple case study featuring data from the initial appointments of five women seeking help for PMS symptoms at the Northern College f Acupuncture nutrition teaching clinic was undertaken. A hybrid thematic analysis technique developed by the researcher enabled synthesis of data from a range of sources. Themes, patterns and relationships within and between cases were identified and reported using both narrative and quantitative approaches.

Findings

Seventeen commonalities were identified. Commonalities in health history included a history of previous medical procedures, infection and antibiotic use, gastro-intestinal complaints, low energy, poor mental health, allergy and intolerance, poor cognitive function, skin, hair and nail complaints and pain. Dietary commonalities included imbalance of macronutrients, and similarities in dietary pattern. Poor sleep, exposure to toxins, stress, poor eating habits, regular low-intensity exercise, and a desire to adopt a natural approach to PMS were common lifestyle elements. Many of these commonalities have been detailed in previous research. One new theme resulting from this research is the potential link between PMS, immunity and gut health.

Conclusion

Multiple commonalities in diet, lifestyle and health history exist between five women seeking nutritional therapy support for PMS symptoms. It is important to consider all aspects of a woman’s life when providing support for PMS. Further research is required to understand whether these commonalities vary between women with and without PMS, which commonalities are causal versus associative and how they interact.