--- title: How much does PMS interfere with medical students' studies? | Niyora description: PMS is very common in medical students (65.4%) and causes significant disruption. Most students (85.9%) report some impairment during the premenstrual period, url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-impacts-of-premenstrual-syndromes-on-the-academic-performance-of-medical-2025/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - How much does PMS interfere with medical students' studies? Survey study, 2025 # How much does PMS interfere with medical students' studies? PMS is very common in medical students (65.4%) and causes significant disruption. Most students (85.9%) report some impairment during the premenstrual period, including worse exam performance, missed classes, and difficulty concentrating. Early or limited evidence 78 medical students in Brazil, mostly aged 18-24 ## What they did Cross-sectional survey of 78 medical students in Brazil, mostly aged 18 to 24. Data were collected from August 2024 to June 2025 using an electronic form asking about symptoms, lifestyle, and academic performance. ## What they found 65.4% report having or having had PMS. The most frequent symptoms were irritability (91%), fatigue (84.6%), and food cravings (75.6%). 85.9% of students reported some degree of impairment during the premenstrual period, including decreased exam performance, class absences, difficulty concentrating, and strained relationships with colleagues and family. ## What it means for you PMS significantly impacts medical students' academic performance and wellbeing. The study was small and in one university in Brazil, so results may not apply to all students. There was no comparison group to see how students without PMS perform. 65.4% Report having or having had PMS 91% Reported irritability 85.9% Reported some degree of impairment ## About the study Original title The Impacts of Premenstrual Syndromes on the Academic Performance of Medical Authors Caroline de Fátima Born Muniz Garcia, Marcelli Anália Dâmaso Lisboa Costa, Jaim Simões de Oliveira et al. Journal Advances in social sciences and management. Year 2025 Study design Survey study Participants 78 What was tested None (observational study) Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.63002/assm.306.1255](https://doi.org/10.63002/assm.306.1255) Original abstract Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a multifactorial condition that affects a large proportion of women of reproductive age, impacting their quality of life and academic performance. This cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach, evaluated the prevalence and impacts of PMS in 78 medical students from the University Center of Maceió (UNIMA), between August 2024 and June 2025. Data were collected through a structured electronic form, covering sociodemographic aspects, physical and emotional symptoms, lifestyle habits, gynecological history, and academic performance. Most participants (75.6%) are in the age range between 18 and 24 years, and 65.4% report having or having been hired with PMS. The most frequent symptoms were irritability (91%), fatigue (84.6%), and cravings for specific foods (75.6%). Globally,85.9% of female students reported some degree of impairment during the premenstrual period, with particular emphasis on decreased academic and exam performance, as well as absences from classes and difficulty concentrating. Interpersonal relationships were also impacted, especially with colleagues and family. Despite the use of contraceptive methods by the participants, the symptoms of PMS are significant, indicating the need for broader and more multidimensional approaches. The study reinforces the importance of implementing institutional strategies external to the mental health and well being of students, considering the emotional, financial, and academic impacts of PMS during medical training. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)[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 Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Interview study, 2019 Which PMDD symptoms are most common in college students? Survey study, 2019 What causes severe PMS in female college students with disabilities? Survey study, 2013 What lifestyle and diet factors are linked to PMS in young women? Survey study, 2012 What menstrual problems are most common in nursing students? Survey study, 2026 Why is understanding PMS awareness in teenage girls important? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗