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Survey study, 2018

How common is PMS in young women and how much does it affect their lives?

PMS affected 47 percent of young medical students and significantly disrupted their academic performance, daily activities, and sleep. Breast tenderness and irritability were the most common symptoms.

Early or limited evidence Unmarried medical students aged 18-25 with regular menstrual periods

What they did

Cross-sectional survey of unmarried medical students aged 18-25 years with regular periods for at least 6 months. Researchers used a self-completed questionnaire asking about demographics, menstrual features, PMS symptoms, and how PMS affected their daily lives.

What they found

Prevalence of PMS was 47 percent. Among physical symptoms, breast tenderness was most common at 26 percent. Among behavioral symptoms, irritability was most common at 26.5 percent. PMS significantly linked to painful periods (P=0.000) and family history of PMS (P=0.01). PMS significantly affected academic life (p=0.000), daily activities (p=0.000), and sleep patterns (p=0.001).

What it means for you

Nearly half of young women have PMS, and it noticeably disrupts school, daily activities, and sleep. Family history and painful periods are linked to PMS. The study used convenience sampling and only included medical students, so may not represent all young women.

47%

had premenstrual syndrome

26%

had breast tenderness

26.5%

had irritability

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual Syndrome and Its Effects
Authors
Shaugfta Aara
Journal
Journal of Medical Science And clinical Research
Year
2018
Study design
Survey study
What was tested
None - observational study
Open access
Yes

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