---
title: What is the best way to diagnose and measure premenstrual syndrome?
description: A proper PMS diagnosis requires clear changes in symptom intensity between menstrual and premenstrual phases, measured across at least two cycles. Emotional s
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/evaluating-premenstrual-symptoms-in-medical-practice-1985/
---

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- What is the best way to diagnose and measure premenstrual syndrome?

Survey study, 1985

# What is the best way to diagnose and measure premenstrual syndrome?

A proper PMS diagnosis requires clear changes in symptom intensity between menstrual and premenstrual phases, measured across at least two cycles. Emotional symptoms are the most common complaint.

 Early or limited evidence

241 patients with marked changes in symptom intensity between menstrual and premenstrual phases

## What they did

Analyzed data from 241 patients who showed marked symptom changes, comparing four different diagnostic methods: physician interview, symptom questionnaire, daily symptom ratings, and a symptom checklist.

## What they found

Premenstrual symptom levels were severe. Some women had moderate symptoms continuing into the early part of the menstrual cycle. Emotional symptoms were predominant across the group.

## What it means for you

Proper PMS diagnosis depends on tracking timing and severity over multiple cycles. Some women may have other undiagnosed conditions. This study focused on diagnosis methods rather than testing treatments.

241

Patients studied

4

Diagnostic evaluation methods compared

2

Minimum cycles documented

## About the study

Original title Evaluating premenstrual symptoms in medical practice Authors Freeman EW, Sondheimer S, Weinbaum PJ et al. Journal Obstetrics and gynecology Year 1985 Study design Survey study Participants 241 What was tested Comparison of four diagnostic evaluation methods Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4039044/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4039044/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)

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## Related studies

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Systematic review, 2026

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Case-control study, 2026

Do women with PMS handle emotions differently at different times of the cycle?

Survey study, 2025

Does PMDD or PMS affect quality of life?

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