--- title: How common is PMS among medical students and how does it relate to productivity? description: 75.2% had PMS. Those with PMS reported much less productivity (73.4% versus 14.5% without), more stress, and used more pain medication. url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/prevalence-of-premenstrual-syndrome-and-its-impact-on-productivity-among-young-2026/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - How common is PMS among medical students and how does it relate to productivity? Survey study, 2026 # How common is PMS among medical students and how does it relate to productivity? 75.2% had PMS. Those with PMS reported much less productivity (73.4% versus 14.5% without), more stress, and used more pain medication. Early or limited evidence 250 female medical students aged 18-25 in Vadodara, India ## What they did Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study of 250 female medical students aged 18-25 at Sumandeep Vidyapeeth in Vadodara, India between May and September 2024 assessing PMS, lifestyle factors, and impacts on academic productivity. ## What they found 188 of 250 students (75.2%) had PMS. Most common symptoms: mood swings (76.4%), abdominal cramps (61.2%), and overthinking (56.0%). Common lifestyle factors: junk food consumption (70.8%), mental stress (59.6%), and inadequate sleep (49.2%). PMS was linked to reduced productivity (73.4% with PMS versus 14.5% without, p less than 0.001), increased mental stress (p less than 0.001), and greater pain medication use (p less than 0.001). ## What it means for you Most of these medical students have PMS and report reduced productivity. Unhealthy lifestyle habits appear connected. Results are from one group of students in India and may not apply broadly. Study shows association not cause and effect. 75.2% PMS prevalence 73.4% reduced productivity with PMS 250 participants ## About the study Original title Prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome and Its Impact on Productivity Among Young Female Medical Students Authors Shrivastava S, Pobari K, Patel TH et al. Journal Cureus Year 2026 Study design Survey study Participants 250 What was tested None Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.7759/cureus.114116](https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.114116) Original abstract Background Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common cyclical disorder among reproductive-aged women that adversely affects physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. It is associated with impaired daily functioning, reduced academic performance, and diminished quality of life. Despite its high prevalence, PMS often remains under-recognized and undertreated among young women. Aim This study aims to determine the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome among female medical students aged 18-25 years and to evaluate its association with lifestyle factors and its impact on academic productivity. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 250 female medical students aged 18-25 years at Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, between May and September 2024. Results Among the 250 participants, 188 (75.2%) were identified with PMS. Mood swings (76.4%), abdominal cramps (61.2%), and overthinking (56.0%) were the most frequently reported symptoms. Junk food consumption (70.8%), mental stress (59.6%), and inadequate sleep (49.2%) were common lifestyle factors. PMS was significantly associated with reduced productivity (73.4% versus 14.5%; p<0.001), increased mental stress (p<0.001), and greater analgesic use (p<0.001). Conclusion Premenstrual syndrome was highly prevalent among young female medical students and was associated with unhealthy lifestyle factors and impaired academic productivity. Early identification, appropriate counselling, and timely management may reduce symptom burden and improve academic performance and overall quality of life. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Survey study, 2026 Does exercise help college women with period problems and mental health? Survey study, 2026 Is academic stress linked to PMS severity in university students? Randomised trial, 2024 Can stress inoculation training reduce anxiety, depression, and stress in students with PMS? Cohort study, 2020 How common are PMS and painful periods in female medical students, and do they affect school attendance? Survey study, 2026 How common is PMS in female university students in Lebanon and what factors increase the risk? Survey study, 2025 What is premenstrual syndrome and how can it be managed in adolescent girls? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗