Cohort study, 2015
What are the worst PMS symptoms and how much do they disrupt daily life?
Tension and irritability were the most severe PMS symptoms. However, the most bothersome symptoms were headache, irritability, self-deprecating thoughts, and depressed mood, and these had the biggest impact on work and social life.
What they did
91 women with PMS tracked their symptoms every day for one complete menstrual cycle using a standardized symptom form.
What they found
Tension and irritability were reported as most severe. The most burdensome symptoms were headache, irritability, self-deprecating thoughts, and depressed mood. Severity of mood symptoms correlated with social impairment. Severity of psychological symptoms correlated with occupational impairment.
What it means for you
Mood and thinking problems have the biggest real-world impact on women's lives in PMS. The study only tracked one cycle, so longer studies might show different patterns.
91
women with PMS
1
menstrual cycle tracked
About the study
- Original title
- Clinical Profiles of Premenstrual Experiences Among Women Having Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Affective Changes Predominate and Relate to Social and Occupational Functioning
- Authors
- Schmelzer K, Ditzen B, Weise C et al.
- Journal
- Health care for women international
- Year
- 2015
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 91
- What was tested
- None - this was a symptom tracking study, not a treatment trial
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2014.954701
Topics
Related studies
Study, 2026
What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Survey study, 2025
How does premenstrual syndrome change in women during wartime compared to peacetime?
Survey study, 2024
How common are PMS and PMDD among female physicians?
Review, 2009
How common are PMS and PMDD, and how much do they disrupt women's lives?
Systematic review, 2026
Do mindfulness and relaxation techniques help with PMS symptoms?
Cohort study, 2025
Do women with premenstrual disorders take more sick leave and have higher unemployment?