---
title: How common is premenstrual syndrome and what factors put women at higher risk?
description: About 25% of women have PMS by objective measure, though 60% report having it. Younger, more educated, economically better-off women and those not using contr
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/population-study-of-premenstrual-syndrome-2006/
---

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- How common is premenstrual syndrome and what factors put women at higher risk?

Survey study, 2006

# How common is premenstrual syndrome and what factors put women at higher risk?

About 25% of women have PMS by objective measure, though 60% report having it. Younger, more educated, economically better-off women and those not using contraceptives had higher rates.

 Moderate study design

1,395 women aged 15-49 in Southern Brazil

## What they did

Cross-sectional population-based study. 1,395 women aged 15-49 in Southern Brazil (2003) completed questionnaires. PMS was defined by a score based on five symptoms that interfered with daily life, work, or school. Researchers compared the objective score with what women reported about themselves and identified risk factors.

## What they found

Objective PMS prevalence was 25.2% (95% CI: 22.5-27.9). Self-reported prevalence was 60.3% (95% CI: 57.4-63.3). Main symptoms were irritability, abdominal discomfort, nervousness, headache, fatigue, and breast pain (all over 50% prevalence). Higher risk in women under 30, with better schooling, higher socioeconomic level, white skin color, using psychotropic drugs, or not using hormonal contraceptives. The test had 94% sensitivity, 51% specificity, and 62% accuracy.

## What it means for you

About 1 in 4 women have PMS that impacts their daily life. Women perceive it as more common than objective measures show. Younger, more educated, and economically better-off women are more affected. Not using contraceptives is linked to higher rates.

1,395

women in study

25.2%

with PMS by objective score (95% CI 22.5-27.9)

60.3%

self-reported PMS (95% CI 57.4-63.3)

## About the study

Original title [Population study of premenstrual syndrome] Authors Silva CM, Gigante DP, Carret ML et al. Journal Revista de saude publica Year 2006 Study design Survey study Participants 1,395 What was tested None - observational study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1590/s0034-89102006000100009](https://doi.org/10.1590/s0034-89102006000100009)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/)[Economic burden](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-economic-burden/)

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