---
title: Do Black women and white women have different rates of PMDD? | Niyora
description: Black women were less likely to have PMDD than white women (2.9% versus 4.4%), even after accounting for smoking, weight, income, depression, and many other f
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/health-advantage-for-black-women-patterns-in-pre-menstrual-dysphoric-disorder-2011/
---

- [Niyora](https://niyora.com/)
- [Research](https://niyora.com/research/)
- [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/)
- Do Black women and white women have different rates of PMDD?

Survey study, 2011

# Do Black women and white women have different rates of PMDD?

Black women were less likely to have PMDD than white women (2.9% versus 4.4%), even after accounting for smoking, weight, income, depression, and many other factors. The reason for this difference is not yet clear.

 Moderate study design

2,590 American women aged 18-40 (1,672 Black, 918 white)

## What they did

Researchers analyzed data from 2,590 American women aged 18-40 (1,672 Black women and 918 white women) from national surveys. They used statistical modeling to compare PMDD rates between racial groups while adjusting for many other factors.

## What they found

Black women were significantly less likely than white women to experience PMDD (odds ratio 0.44, 95% CI 0.25-0.79). PMDD prevalence was 2.9% in Black women and 4.4% in white women. Black women also had lower rates of premenstrual symptoms (odds ratio 0.64). These differences remained significant after adjusting for marital status, employment, education, smoking, weight, contraceptive use, age, income, mood disorders, and social desirability.

## What it means for you

Black women appear to have lower PMDD rates than white women, even after carefully accounting for other health and social factors. This is unusual for a health condition and suggests possible protective factors. The study was rigorous and used national survey data with careful statistical adjustment, but was cross-sectional. Further research is needed to understand what may protect Black women.

2.9%

PMDD prevalence in Black women

4.4%

PMDD prevalence in white women

0.44

Odds ratio comparing Black to white women

## About the study

Original title Health advantage for black women: patterns in pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder Authors Pilver CE, Kasl S, Desai R et al. Journal Psychological medicine Year 2011 Study design Survey study Participants 1,672 What was tested Multivariate analysis of PMDD and demographic factors Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1017/s0033291710002321](https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291710002321)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Systematic review, 2024

What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?

Review, 2024

What are the most effective treatments for PMDD?

Systematic review, 2023

How common are menstrual cycle problems and PMS or PMDD in female athletes?

Guideline, 2023

How are GnRH agonists used to treat PMDD that doesn't respond to standard medications?

Systematic review, 2022

What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?

Systematic review, 2021

Do birth control pills help with depression and other symptoms of PMS?

Ask AI about this page

Copy prompt

ChatGPT

↗

Claude

↗

Perplexity

↗

Google AI Mode

↗

Grok

↗