---
title: How many different patterns of PMS symptoms exist? | Niyora
description: PMS is unique for each woman. Out of 86 possible symptom combinations, 84 different patterns were found. Most women reported about 4 main symptoms, showing th
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-complaints-an-idiosyncratic-syndrome-1995/
---

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- How many different patterns of PMS symptoms exist?

Cohort study, 1995

# How many different patterns of PMS symptoms exist?

PMS is unique for each woman. Out of 86 possible symptom combinations, 84 different patterns were found. Most women reported about 4 main symptoms, showing that PMS is highly individual.

 Early or limited evidence

98 women seeking PMS treatment

## What they did

98 women seeking PMS treatment completed symptom assessments. When given a prepared symptom list they selected many items. When self-reporting in ranked order they reported fewer. Researchers created symptom profiles from 5 categories.

## What they found

Most women reported only 4 rank-ordered main symptoms. Out of 86 possible symptom profiles, 84 different profiles were found. Psychological symptoms dominated the reports.

## What it means for you

PMS is not a one-size-fits-all condition but looks different for each woman. Each woman's pattern is defined by a limited number of core symptoms. Limitation: observational study shows patterns, not proof of what causes them.

98

women studied

84

different symptom patterns found

4

main symptoms per woman

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual complaints: an idiosyncratic syndrome Authors Gotts G, Morse CA, Dennerstein L Journal Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology Year 1995 Study design Cohort study Participants 98 What was tested None Read the paper [doi.org/10.3109/01674829509025654](https://doi.org/10.3109/01674829509025654)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)

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