Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practices Used by Women with Premenstrual Syndrome

Abstract

Objectives: This research was carried out to determine the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) practices used by women experiencing Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). 
 Method: The sample of this descriptive study comprised 357 women who applied to the “Health Practice and Research Center Gynecology and Obstetrics” polyclinic of a university in Turkey. Study data were collected by using the Personal Information Form and the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS) to determine the life situation of women with PMS. 
 Results: It was determined that 82.9% of women experienced PMS and that 83.8% of women living with PMS used TCM practices. The most commonly used TCM practices of the women were determined as follows: hot application on abdomen (90.7%), hot shower (85.1%), fennel tea (26.2%), walking (23.8%), massage (21.8%), yoga (11.7%), and music (10.5%). Almost all of the women undertook hot application to the abdomen, hot showers, massages, walking, and yoga (99.1%-99.5%-90.7%-96.6%-93.1%). Overall, 80% of the women who listened to music and 60% of the women who drank fennel tea experienced benefits as a result.
 Conclusion: PMS is a commonly observed health issue among women, and many frequently use TCM practices to cope. Hot applications were found to be the most commonly used TCM.
 
 Keywords: Premenstrual Syndrome, Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Women’s Health