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Survey study, 2026

How much does PMS affect women's quality of life and what factors make it worse?

PMS significantly affects daily life. 66.2% of women reported negative effects on daily activities. Women who started their period early or had irregular cycles were more likely to have PMS.

Early or limited evidence 136 women across several European countries

What they did

Cross-sectional study with 136 women from several European countries. Women answered an online questionnaire between November 2023 and November 2024 about lifestyle, menstrual patterns, and premenstrual symptoms.

What they found

66.2% reported that PMS negatively affected their daily activities. Early menarche (starting periods young) and irregular menstrual cycles were associated with higher prevalence of PMS and PMDD symptoms. Lifestyle factors were linked to both physical and psychological PMS symptoms (p=0.042).

What it means for you

PMS is common and disrupts daily life for most women. Your menstrual pattern and lifestyle matter. Study limitations: small sample and online survey, which may not represent all women.

66.2%

reported negative effects on daily activities

136

women studied

p = 0.042

association between lifestyle and PMS

About the study

Original title
Self-Reported Premenstrual Symptoms and Their Associations With Quality of Life and Lifestyle Factors: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study
Authors
Gabija Matuzaite
Journal
Lithuanian Obstetrics & Gynecology
Year
2026
Study design
Survey study
Participants
136
What was tested
None assessed

Topics