---
title: How does moderate-to-severe PMS or PMDD affect work and daily life?
description: Women with moderate-to-severe PMS or PMDD missed more work and had lower work productivity than those with mild or no symptoms. This is correlation only, not
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/intercountry-assessment-of-the-impact-of-severe-premenstrual-disorders-on-work-2012/
---

- [Niyora](https://niyora.com/)
- [Research](https://niyora.com/research/)
- [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/)
- How does moderate-to-severe PMS or PMDD affect work and daily life?

Survey study, 2012

# How does moderate-to-severe PMS or PMDD affect work and daily life?

Women with moderate-to-severe PMS or PMDD missed more work and had lower work productivity than those with mild or no symptoms. This is correlation only, not proof that symptoms cause the work problems.

 Early or limited evidence

4,032 women aged 15-45 from 19 countries in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia

## What they did

A 2-month web-based survey of women aged 15-45 from 19 countries. Women were screened for suspected PMS or PMDD and asked about work and daily life impacts.

## What they found

Women with moderate-to-severe PMS or PMDD had increased work absenteeism and work productivity impairment compared to those with mild or no perceived symptoms.

## What it means for you

Serious PMS and PMDD can interfere with work attendance and productivity. This is based on women reporting their own experiences, which may reflect how much they perceive the symptoms affect them rather than objective measurements.

4,032

women surveyed

19

countries

15-45

age range

## About the study

Original title Intercountry assessment of the impact of severe premenstrual disorders on work and daily activities Authors Heinemann LA, Minh TD, Heinemann K et al. Journal Health care for women international Year 2012 Study design Survey study Participants 4,032 What was tested None (observational study) Read the paper [doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2011.610530](https://doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2011.610530)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)

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, 2025

Do nutritional interventions help with emotional symptoms of PMS?

Systematic review, 2025

How common are PMS, PMDD, and painful periods in nursing students, and do they affect their schooling?

Review, 2019

What is the current evidence for diagnosing and treating PMDD, especially in Indian women?

Systematic review, 2026

Do digital tools and apps help reduce PMS and PMDD symptoms?

Study, 2026

What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Review, 2026

How do social factors like stigma and unequal care responsibilities affect premenstrual symptoms?

Ask AI about this page

Copy prompt

ChatGPT

↗

Claude

↗

Perplexity

↗

Google AI Mode

↗

Grok

↗
