Survey study, 2011
What premenstrual symptoms do women experience around the world and how much do they affect daily life?
The most common symptoms are abdominal bloating, cramps, irritability, breast tenderness, and muscle or back pain. Physical and mental symptoms have similar effects on daily activities.
What they did
Researchers surveyed 7226 women aged 15 to 49 from 15 countries about their premenstrual symptoms and how these affected their daily activities. Participants were asked about 23 different symptoms.
What they found
The most common premenstrual symptoms were abdominal bloating, cramps or abdominal pain, irritability, breast tenderness, and joint or muscle or back pain. When symptoms occurred more often, they tended to be more severe. Physical and mental symptoms had similar effects on daily activities. Younger women, women with fewer pregnancies, non-smokers, and those with more education reported better knowledge of PMS and PMDD.
What it means for you
Women across multiple countries experience similar premenstrual symptoms with similar effects on daily life. This shows premenstrual symptoms are a worldwide concern. However, women's knowledge of and understanding of these symptoms varies by country, education, age, and lifestyle.
7226
Women surveyed
15
Countries represented
23
Symptoms assessed
About the study
- Original title
- Global study of women's experiences of premenstrual symptoms and their effects on daily life
- Authors
- Dennerstein L, Lehert P, Heinemann K
- Journal
- Menopause international
- Year
- 2011
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 7,226
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1258/mi.2011.011027
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2002
How common is premenstrual dysphoric disorder among women in Morocco?
Study, 2026
What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Randomised trial, 2021
Does hypnotherapy reduce pain and emotional distress in women with PMDD?
Survey study, 2024
What factors are associated with PMS and PMDD in adolescent and young women?
Survey study, 2024
Does knowing about Ayurvedic yoga make teenage girls more interested in practicing it for PMS?
Survey study, 2023
What is PMS and PMDD, how common are they, and how are they usually treated?