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Survey study, 2022

Is low hemoglobin (low iron in the blood) linked to PMS symptoms?

Yes. Women with lower hemoglobin levels were more likely to have PMS, especially physical and emotional symptoms.

Moderate study design 149 female students, ages 18-22, from medical and paramedical courses

What they did

Measured hemoglobin levels and PMS symptoms in 149 healthy female students aged 18-22 who were not taking medications.

What they found

58.4% of students had PMS. Lower hemoglobin was linked to PMS overall, and especially to physical and emotional symptoms.

What it means for you

Low iron levels (measured by hemoglobin) may contribute to PMS symptoms. Checking hemoglobin can help prevent confusing PMS symptoms with anemia, since they share similar features. Improving hemoglobin levels might reduce symptoms. The study was in healthy young students, so results may differ in other groups.

149

female students studied

58.4%

had PMS

18-22

age range

About the study

Original title
Association of Hemoglobin Levels with Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome in Adults
Authors
S D. Mamatha, S. A. Priya, M. C. Smitha
Journal
Medical Journal of Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth
Year
2022
Study design
Survey study
What was tested
None (observational study measuring blood hemoglobin and PMS symptoms)
Open access
Yes

Topics