Is premenstrual syndrome more common in women with higher body weight?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is described as a cyclical process which starts in the luteal phase of reproductive cycle and ends approximately 4 days after menstruation. Premenstrual syndrome, is a common reproductive disorder of young and middle-aged women, is characterized by emotional and physical symptoms that consistently occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The main aim of this research study is to find out the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its association with body mass index in women of Hyderabad. In this regard a total of 100 female participants with regular menstrual cycle were surveyed through a designed questionnaire. The participants of this data collection were students, house wives and working women. The age range of female participants was 16 to 35 years and the mean age is 21.2 years. Physical symptoms of PMS reported in data as, breast tenderness 88%, Headache 56%, Joint/muscle pain 32%, bloating 74%, weight gain 74%, acne 52% and diarrhea/constipation 22%. Emotional or behavioral symptoms of PMS reported in data as, depression/anxiety 52%, mood swings 96%, irritation 74%, lack of interest in daily activities 64%, insomnia 60%, low energy 56%, overwhelmed 14%, emotional instability/tearfulness 96%, overeating 84% and lack of appetite 26%. 24% normal weight, 30% underweight, 24% overweight and 22% obese women were reported. PMS is highly prevailing 33% and 30% in women with normal weight and overweight respectively. KEY WORDS: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Body mass index (BMI), Reproductive disorder, Mood swings, Underweight, overweight, Obese.

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