How much do women in Shimla know about PMS and how does it affect their lives?

Background: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) affects a significant proportion of menstruating women worldwide, with symptoms ranging from physical discomfort to serious psychological disturbances. In regions like Shimla, where menstrual and mental health discussions remain socially constrained, PMS remains underrecognized and poorly addressed, impacting women's daily functioning and emotional well-being. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 400 women aged 15–45 years in Shimla district from January to February 2025. A bilingual structured questionnaire explored socio-demographics, PMS awareness, symptom recognition, lifestyle impact, coping strategies, and social attitudes. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0, applying descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: Most respondents (71.0%) acknowledged lifestyle changes as helpful in managing PMS. Common symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, and bloating were well recognized. However, fewer participants could identify psychological connections or openly discuss PMS at school or work (45.8%). Based on total scores, 14.8% showed very good awareness, 37.3% good, 33.0% fair, and 14.9% poor knowledge. Despite moderate awareness levels, stigma and emotional silencing were evident. Conclusion: While awareness of PMS is growing among women in Shimla, stigma and mental health illiteracy persist. The findings call for targeted interventions to normalize menstruation-related mental health discussions, improve health education, and enhance access to gender-sensitive, holistic care.

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