Skip to content

Survey study, 2025

Is childhood trauma linked to premenstrual syndrome?

Yes. Women who experienced childhood trauma had more severe PMS symptoms. Higher trauma was associated with starting periods earlier, longer menstrual bleeding, and more severe PMS.

Early or limited evidence 603 female university students

What they did

Researchers surveyed 603 university women from October to December 2024. They used questionnaires to measure childhood trauma experiences and PMS symptoms.

What they found

Women with PMS symptoms scored significantly higher on measures of physical neglect, sexual abuse, and denial from their past. Higher levels of childhood trauma were associated with starting their period earlier, having longer menstrual bleeding, and experiencing more severe PMS symptoms.

What it means for you

The study suggests childhood trauma may contribute to PMS in young women, alongside hormonal factors. Because this is a cross-sectional study, we cannot be sure whether trauma causes PMS or whether other factors are involved. Results apply only to university students.

603

female university students surveyed

About the study

Original title
The Association of Childhood Trauma with Premenstrual Syndrome and Contributing Factors in Young Women
Authors
AYDEMİR Bİ, TOKATLIOĞLU TŞ, DİŞSİZ M et al.
Journal
Authorea Preprints
Year
2025
Study design
Survey study
Participants
603
What was tested
None. This was an observational study.
Open access
Yes

Topics