---
title: Are there different types of PMS that might need different treatments?
description: Yes. PMS can be divided into three patterns: emotional (with depression-like symptoms), physical (with pain), and mixed, each linked to different lifestyle fa
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/patterns-of-premenstrual-syndrome-in-collegiate-women-a-cross-sectional-study-2022/
---

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- Are there different types of PMS that might need different treatments?

Survey study, 2022

# Are there different types of PMS that might need different treatments?

Yes. PMS can be divided into three patterns: emotional (with depression-like symptoms), physical (with pain), and mixed, each linked to different lifestyle factors.

 Early or limited evidence

165 college women averaging 18.9 years old

## What they did

165 college women averaging 18.9 years old completed questionnaires about PMS symptoms, nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle. Researchers used statistical analysis to group symptoms into patterns and identify lifestyle factors linked to each type.

## What they found

Three PMS patterns emerged: affective type (psychological symptoms like depression), somatic type (physical symptoms like abdominal pain), and mixed type. Higher depression scores were marginally linked to affective type. Physical activity was significantly linked to mixed type (odds ratio 1.13) and somatic type (odds ratio 1.20). Certain nutrients were associated with somatic type.

## What it means for you

PMS might be easier to understand and treat if we recognize these three patterns and tailor management to each. Physical activity and certain nutrients may be particularly helpful for physical symptoms. However, this study included only college-aged women in one setting, so results may not apply to all women with PMS. Causation cannot be proven from this design.

165

Women studied

3

PMS patterns identified

1.20

Odds ratio for physical activity and physical symptom PMS type

## About the study

Original title Patterns of premenstrual syndrome in collegiate women: A cross-sectional study Authors Morino S, Morino S, Hirata H et al. Journal Medicine Year 2022 Study design Survey study Participants 165 What was tested None - observational study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000030186](https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000030186)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Diet and nutrition](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-diet/)[Exercise and yoga](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-exercise/)

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