Lic. Patricia Alkolombre - Buenos Aires - Argentina

The article analizes the characteristics of the menstrual cycle within different cultural contexts. The correlation between physical, psychological and cultural aspects is emphasized. How women cope with menstruation - psychic implications. Risk factors as well as physical and emotional symptoms of the Òpremenstrual syndromeÓ are described and the importance of the prejudices and taboos about menstruation transmitted throughout the generations is highlighted.

Key words: menstruation Ð premenstrual syndrome Ð psychosomatic correlation -taboo - transmission - femininity - identificatory statements