Abstract
Many sexually mature females suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS); however, effective coping methods for PMS are limited owing to the heterogeneity of symptoms and unclear pathogenesis. Our research goal was to establish a convenient and simple method to make an individual aware of their own psychological and autonomic conditions. In a previous study, we demonstrated that participants could be classified into the non-PMS and PMS groups based on mood scores obtained during the follicular phase. This study aimed to classify participants based on their response scores to a mood questionnaire during the follicular phase and evaluate their autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity using a simple device that measures pulse waves from the earlobe. Participants were grouped into Clusters I (highly positive mood) and II (low mood). Cluster II participants decreased parasympathetic nervous system activity, although not significantly (p = 0. 11), from the follicular to the menstrual phase. This may indicate that participants in Cluster II exhibited PMS symptoms. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using mood scores to classify individuals into PMS and non-PMS groups and to monitor ANS changes across menstrual phases. Despite limitations, such as sample size and device variability, the findings highlight a promising avenue for convenient PMS self-monitoring.
