Survey study, 2019
Does stress from studying medicine make PMS worse?
Medical students had higher PMS scores than non-medical students (93.791 vs 88.473), suggesting stress may worsen PMS. Both groups scored above the PMS threshold. Without a control group, we cannot be certain stress is the cause.
What they did
This comparative study looked at female medical students and non-medical students over four months (July to October 2018). Both groups were assessed using a PMS score scale to compare symptoms.
What they found
Medical students had a mean PMS score of 93.791, while non-medical students scored 88.473. Both groups scored above the PMS threshold, meaning both experience PMS. Medical students had higher prevalence than non-medical students.
What it means for you
Academic stress from medical school may worsen PMS symptoms or make them harder to manage emotionally. However, this is a small comparison study, and we do not know if the two groups were similar in other ways that might affect PMS.
93.791
mean PMS score for medical students
88.473
mean PMS score for non-medical students
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual syndrome and its association with emotional dysregulation: a comparison between medical and non medical students
- Authors
- Suganthi Selvarajan, Hiba Ajmal
- Journal
- International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health
- Year
- 2019
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20191450
Topics
Related studies
Systematic review, 2025
Does teaching adolescent girls about their menstrual cycle and health help reduce period pain and PMS?
Survey study, 2025
Do certain nutrients and body weight affect PMS?
Review, 2023
Can herbs and supplements help with PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 2026
Can a yoga program designed for different cycle phases reduce PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 2026
Does controlling personality traits help emotional regulation in women with PMS?
Survey study, 2026
What patterns of mood changes and food cravings occur during the menstrual cycle in college students?