The incidence and severity of premenstrual syndrome among female craniomandibular pain patients.

AbstractIn 1981, A.C. Fonder showed a marked correlation between craniomandibular pain dysfunction (CMP) and menstrual dysfunction among his female patients. Fonder's findings were flawed in that his sample was chosen retrospectively for inclusion in his article, and his subjects were not compared with a non-CMP group. This study compares patients of reproductive age presenting with CMP, one group using low-dose oral contraceptives and one group not, with a CMP-free group seen for routine examinations, fillings, or cleanings. All patients were examined between July and November 1985. Symptoms for all groups were collected using the Halbreich-Endicott Premenstrual Assessment Form and a checklist of known CMP symptoms. A strong association was demonstrated between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) complaints and craniomandibular pain dysfunction. A detailed comparison of the data was performed, and possible explanations for the relationship observed between PMS and CMP and implications for future research are off...