---
title: Is disordered eating more common in women with PMDD? | Niyora
description: Yes. Women with PMDD had disordered eating at 45.5%, much higher than those with moderate-to-severe PMS at 16.5% or no/mild PMS at 13.6%. Eating problems incr
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/association-of-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-and-eating-behaviors-among-2021/
---

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- Is disordered eating more common in women with PMDD?

Survey study, 2021

# Is disordered eating more common in women with PMDD?

Yes. Women with PMDD had disordered eating at 45.5%, much higher than those with moderate-to-severe PMS at 16.5% or no/mild PMS at 13.6%. Eating problems increase with symptom severity.

 Early or limited evidence

504 female nursing students

## What they did

Researchers surveyed 504 female nursing students and used questionnaires to assess both premenstrual symptoms and eating behaviors.

## What they found

Of 504 students, 15.9% met criteria for PMDD, 44% had moderate-to-severe PMS, and 40% had mild or no symptoms. Disordered eating was present in 45.5% of the PMDD group, 16.5% of the moderate-to-severe PMS group, and 13.6% of the no/mild PMS group. Women with PMDD also had higher scores for emotional eating and uncontrolled eating.

## What it means for you

As premenstrual symptoms worsen, eating problems become more common, with PMDD showing the strongest link. This study only included nursing students, so results may not represent all women. It is unclear whether PMDD causes eating problems or eating problems contribute to PMDD.

15.9%

had PMDD

45.5%

disordered eating in PMDD group

16.5%

disordered eating in moderate-severe PMS

## About the study

Original title Association of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and Eating Behaviors Among Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study Authors Çoban ÖG, Karakaya D, Önder A et al. Journal Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology Year 2021 Study design Survey study Participants 504 What was tested None - observational survey Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2020.11.019](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2020.11.019)

## 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/)[Appetite and food cravings](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-food-cravings/)[Eating disorders](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-eating-disorders/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/)[Stigma, attitudes and culture](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-stigma-culture/)

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## Related studies

Case-control study, 2010

Do women with PMDD crave high-sugar and high-fat foods more than other women?

Survey study, 2026

Is PMS or PMDD linked to eating disorders?

Survey study, 2023

What factors most influence PMS severity in college students?

Survey study, 2023

What percentage of women aged 20-35 have PMS symptoms and what types are most common?

Case-control study, 1997

Are PMDD and eating disorders related?

Survey study, 2016

Is PMS or PMDD linked to eating disorders like bulimia and binge eating?

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