--- title: How does competitive sports affect PMS, PMDD, and menstrual disorders in young female athletes? description: Female athletes had significantly more PMS (49.33%) than non-athletes (32%), with the risk increasing by 1.71 times per year of age. PMDD rates were similar b url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-impact-of-competitive-sports-on-menstrual-cycle-and-menstrual-disorders-2020/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - How does competitive sports affect PMS, PMDD, and menstrual disorders in young female athletes? Case-control study, 2020 # How does competitive sports affect PMS, PMDD, and menstrual disorders in young female athletes? Female athletes had significantly more PMS (49.33%) than non-athletes (32%), with the risk increasing by 1.71 times per year of age. PMDD rates were similar between groups, but athletes had heavier periods and longer breaks between menstruation. Moderate study design 75 professional female athletes and 50 non-athletic control girls and women, ages 16-22, in Silesia ## What they did 75 professional female athletes and 50 non-athletic control girls and women, ages 16-22 in Silesia, were compared using daily symptom diaries and questionnaires based on American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and DSM-V diagnostic criteria. ## What they found PMS was diagnosed in 49.33% of athletes versus 32.0% of non-athletes (p=0.045). PMDD was diagnosed in approximately 9.33% of athletes and 6% of non-athletes (not significantly different). Heavy menstrual bleeding (p=0.01) and longer breaks between periods (p=0.01) were more common in athletes. Older athletes and those with earlier first periods were more likely to have PMS. ## What it means for you Competitive sports may increase PMS risk in young women, particularly as they age. The study is limited to one region (Silesia) and relies on self-reported symptoms. 49.33% vs 32% PMS: athletes vs non-athletes 9.33% PMDD in athletes 1.71x PMS risk per year of age ## About the study Original title The impact of competitive sports on menstrual cycle and menstrual disorders, including premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and hormonal imbalances Authors Czajkowska M, Drosdzol-Cop A, Naworska B et al. Journal Ginekologia polska Year 2020 Study design Case-control study Participants 75 What was tested Competitive sports participation Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.5603/gp.2020.0097](https://doi.org/10.5603/gp.2020.0097) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Adolescents and young people](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-adolescents/)[Athletes and sport](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-athletes/) 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, 2019 What lifestyle and sleep habits are linked to PMS in teenage girls? Cohort study, 2019 Do young female athletes have more menstrual problems and PMS than non-athletes? Cohort study, 2015 How common are PMS and PMDD in young female athletes? Survey study, 2016 Does PMS increase the risk of stress fractures in teenage athletes? Systematic review, 2025 Are PMS and PMDD more common in highly trained female athletes than in women who don't train intensively? Systematic review, 2023 How common are menstrual cycle problems and PMS or PMDD in female athletes? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗