---
title: How many women have PMS and what causes it? | Niyora
description: Between 20% and 80% of women have PMS, and 2% to 6% have the severe form (PMDD). Many different factors seem involved.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/aetiology-diagnosis-and-management-of-premenstrual-syndrome-2015/
---

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- How many women have PMS and what causes it?

Study, 2015

# How many women have PMS and what causes it?

Between 20% and 80% of women have PMS, and 2% to 6% have the severe form (PMDD). Many different factors seem involved.

 Early or limited evidence

Women of reproductive age with PMS or PMDD

## What they did

Reviewed available information about how common PMS is, what causes it, how to diagnose it, and how to manage it.

## What they found

Between 20% and 80% of women of reproductive age experience PMS. The severe form, PMDD, affects 2% to 6% and causes significant problems with daily life. Biological, psychological, environmental, and social factors all seem to play a role. Doctors diagnose PMS with medical history, physical exams, and a menstrual diary. Although there is no complete cure, many ways to manage symptoms exist.

## What it means for you

This confirms PMS is very common and that many different factors contribute to it. Since there's no complete cure, treatment focuses on managing symptoms. The main limitation is that this summarizes what doctors know rather than reporting new research.

20-80%

Women with PMS

2-6%

Women with severe PMS (PMDD)

200+

Different symptoms linked to PMS

## About the study

Original title Aetiology, Diagnosis and Management of Premenstrual Syndrome Journal Journal of Pain & Relief Year 2015 Study design Study What was tested Various diagnostic and symptom management approaches Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.4172/2167-0846.1000193](https://doi.org/10.4172/2167-0846.1000193) Original abstract

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of physical and emotional disturbances that occur after a woman ovulates and ends with menstruation. More than 200 symptoms have been known as the symptoms of PMS. About 20-80% of women of reproductive age experience these disturbing symptoms. A more severe form of PMS, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), occurs in a smaller number of women (2-6%) and leads to significant loss of function because of unusually severe symptoms. Biological, psychological, environmental and social factors all seem to play a role in the onset of PMS. Several diagnostic tools and approaches have been suggested to facilitate the recognition of the PMS. A thorough medical history should be obtained and careful physical and pelvic examinations should be conducted. In addition, having a menstrual diary can help better diagnose the onset and end date of the symptoms. Although there seems to be no ultimate cure for PMS, there are many options available to better manage the signs and symptoms.

Reproduced under CC-BY.

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)

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

Cohort study, 2026

What genetic factors are linked to premenstrual symptoms?

Study, 2026

How do women with PMDD process emotions differently in their brains?

Systematic review, 2026

Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle?

Case-control study, 2026

Do women with PMS handle emotions differently at different times of the cycle?

Survey study, 2025

Does PMDD or PMS affect quality of life?

Systematic review, 2025

Do people with PMDD and severe PMS have difficulties with emotion regulation?

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