Survey study, 2024
What menstrual and mental health factors are linked to high-risk premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Heavy periods, irregular cycles, severe period pain, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low resilience were all linked to higher PMDD risk. Resilience might help buffer the effects of anxiety and depression. About half of students studied had high-risk PMDD.
What they did
Online survey of 541 Chinese university students in Hong Kong. They measured menstrual characteristics (flow, cycle regularity, pain) and psychosocial factors (anxiety, depression, loneliness, resilience).
What they found
Approximately 53% of participants had high-risk PMDD. Heavy menstrual flow increased odds 2.17 times, irregular cycles 1.72 times, and severe period pain 2.80 times. Anxiety and depression each increased odds about 2.2 times, loneliness 1.94 times, and low resilience 2.21 times. Resilience showed a potential buffering effect.
What it means for you
Both physical menstrual characteristics and mental health factors matter for PMDD risk. The study suggests that building resilience might help reduce risk, but this is correlational. We don't know if improving these factors will actually reduce PMDD symptoms.
53%
Proportion at high risk of PMDD
2.80
Adjusted odds ratio for dysmenorrhea
2.22
Adjusted odds ratio for depression
About the study
- Original title
- Menstrual and psychosocial characteristics associated with high-risk of premenstrual dysphoric disorder among university students: a cross-sectional study
- Authors
- Lee JJ, Wang T, Park J et al.
- Journal
- Women & health
- Year
- 2024
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 541
- What was tested
- None (observational study)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2024.2304899
Topics
Related studies
Systematic review, 2025
How common are PMS, PMDD, and painful periods in nursing students, and do they affect their schooling?
Survey study, 2026
Does exercise help college women with period problems and mental health?
Study, 2026
What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Survey study, 2026
How common is PMDD among college women and what increases the risk?
Review, 2026
How much do PMS and menstrual disorders affect women's work, school, and quality of life?
Survey study, 2025
Do adverse childhood experiences increase PMS and menstrual symptoms in adulthood?