--- title: Does low calcium intake relate to PMS in teenage girls? | Niyora description: Girls with low calcium intake were more likely to have PMS and period pain. However, we cannot prove that eating more calcium would reduce PMS based on this s url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/association-of-premenstrual-syndrome-with-calcium-intake-and-dysmenorrhea-a-2026/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does low calcium intake relate to PMS in teenage girls? Survey study, 2026 # Does low calcium intake relate to PMS in teenage girls? Girls with low calcium intake were more likely to have PMS and period pain. However, we cannot prove that eating more calcium would reduce PMS based on this snapshot study. Early or limited evidence 185 unmarried high school girls aged 14-19 in Karachi, Pakistan ## What they did Surveyed 185 unmarried teenage girls aged 14-19 in Karachi, Pakistan from April to December 2025. Researchers asked about menstrual history, PMS symptoms based on American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology criteria, and calcium intake from food. ## What they found 89.7% met diagnostic criteria for PMS, with the highest rate among 17-year-olds (39.1%). 86.5% reported period pain, and 89.1% of those also had PMS. 59% of girls consumed inadequate calcium, and among girls with low calcium intake, 62.3% had PMS. PMS significantly interfered with educational activities in 56% of participants. ## What it means for you Low calcium intake may be associated with PMS in teenage girls. Nutrition-focused school health programs could be helpful. However, this was done in one city in Pakistan with only teenage girls using self-reported data, so findings may not apply to other groups or ages. 89.7% Had PMS 59% Had inadequate calcium intake 56% Had PMS interfering with school ## About the study Original title Association of Premenstrual Syndrome with Calcium Intake and Dysmenorrhea: A Cross-Sectional Study of High School Female Students in Karachi Authors Syeda Aqeela Zehra, Javeria Khan, Syeda Areeba Fatima et al. Journal Liaquat Journal of Health Research Year 2026 Study design Survey study Participants 185 What was tested None (observational study) Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.64433/80ax4842](https://doi.org/10.64433/80ax4842) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)[Diet and nutrition](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-diet/)[Calcium](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-calcium/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/)[Adolescents and young people](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-adolescents/) 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, 2014 Do lifestyle and nutrition affect menstrual symptoms? Systematic review, 2025 Does teaching adolescent girls about their menstrual cycle and health help reduce period pain and PMS? Non-randomised trial, 2026 Do dietary changes or sun exposure reduce PMS symptoms in adolescent girls? Non-randomised trial, 2026 Does a lifestyle education program reduce PMS symptoms? Survey study, 2024 Does diet affect menstrual disorders including PMS? Survey study, 2023 How common are PMS, PMDD, anxiety, and depression in rural adolescent girls? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗