Survey study, 2010
Do women with PMS or PMDD miss more work?
Yes. Women with moderate-to-severe PMS or PMDD reported more days with reduced work productivity (5.6 days per cycle vs 1.1) and higher rates of missing work (14.2% vs 6.0%).
What they did
Women aged 15-45 were screened for PMS or PMDD and 1,477 enrolled in a web-based study. Of these, 822 completed the study. They answered questionnaires about symptoms over 2 months and reported on work productivity and absences.
What they found
Women with moderate-to-severe PMS or PMDD had higher work impairment. They reported an average of 5.6 days per cycle with at least moderate reduction in productivity, compared to 1.1 days for women with no or mild symptoms. For absenteeism (missing more than 8 hours per cycle), 14.2% of women with moderate-to-severe PMS or PMDD were affected, compared to 6.0% of those with no or mild symptoms.
What it means for you
Women with moderate-to-severe PMS or PMDD experience significant work problems. Since this is an observational study, it shows an association but cannot prove PMS causes these work issues. Also, only 56% of women who started completed the study.
5.6 vs 1.1
Days per cycle with reduced productivity
14.2% vs 6.0%
Rate missing 8+ hours per cycle
822 of 1,477
Completed the study
About the study
- Original title
- Explorative evaluation of the impact of severe premenstrual disorders on work absenteeism and productivity
- Authors
- Heinemann LA, Minh TD, Filonenko A et al.
- Journal
- Women's health issues : official publication of the Jacobs Institute of Women's Health
- Year
- 2010
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 1,477
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2009.09.005
Topics
Related studies
Review, 2026
How much do PMS and menstrual disorders affect women's work, school, and quality of life?
Survey study, 2002
What is the economic and work impact of premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Cohort study, 2002
Does PMDD cause more healthcare costs and work loss than other premenstrual symptoms?
Cohort study, 2011
What is the economic burden of moderate to severe PMS or PMDD in Latin American women?
Non-randomised trial, 2007
Does a 50% drop in PMS symptom scores matter in real life, like fewer doctor visits or costs?
Study, 2005
What is premenstrual syndrome and PMDD and how do they affect women?