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Cohort study, 2003

How much does PMS affect women's quality of life and healthcare costs?

Women with PMS had lower quality of life scores for both mental and physical health and spent more than 500 dollars in doctor visit costs over 2 years compared to women without PMS.

Early or limited evidence women surveyed (28.7% diagnosed with PMS)

What they did

Researchers surveyed women and identified those with PMS. They compared healthcare visits, quality of life, and work ability between women with and without PMS.

What they found

Among surveyed women, 28.7% were diagnosed with PMS. Women with PMS had lower mental health scores (42.8 versus 49.5) and lower physical health scores compared to women without PMS. Women with PMS also spent more than 500 dollars in doctor visit costs over 2 years.

What it means for you

PMS affects overall wellbeing and leads to more healthcare use, which has financial consequences. The study is observational so we cannot say whether PMS directly caused higher costs or whether women with more symptoms simply sought more care.

28.7%

of women with PMS diagnosis

42.8 vs 49.5

mental health scores (with versus without PMS)

$500

additional visit costs over 2 years

About the study

Original title
Health and economic impact of the premenstrual syndrome
Authors
Borenstein JE, Dean BB, Endicott J et al.
Journal
The Journal of reproductive medicine
Year
2003
Study design
Cohort study
Participants
36
What was tested
None - observational comparison of women with and without PMS

Topics