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Survey study, 2016

What are the most common PMS symptoms and how much pain do women experience?

Mood swings are the most common emotional symptom (35%) and belly pain the most common physical symptom (38%). Most women report mild pain.

Early or limited evidence 200 female medical students at a medical college in India

What they did

Cross-sectional study of 200 female medical students in India. Researchers had them complete questionnaires about PMS symptoms based on standard criteria and rate their pain severity on a 0-10 scale.

What they found

Mood variability was the most common mood symptom (35% of students). Abdominal pain was the most common physical symptom (38% of students). 45% reported mild pain severity.

What it means for you

Mood swings and belly pain are typical PMS experiences in this group. The study suggests that education about recognizing PMS is important. Results only apply to medical students, not all women.

35%

Students with mood variability as top symptom

38%

Students with abdominal pain as top symptom

45%

Students reporting mild pain severity

About the study

Original title
A Study of common Pre-menstrual Symptoms & their severity (Pain) with relation to VAS in Young Adult Medical Females
Authors
Shahina Khan
Journal
Journal of Medical Science And clinical Research
Year
2016
Study design
Survey study
Participants
200
What was tested
None (symptom assessment)
Open access
Yes

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