Survey study, 2022
What diet, stress, and lifestyle factors are linked to PMS symptoms?
High coffee intake, sugar, stress, smoking, and low physical activity were all linked to worse PMS symptoms, with stress showing the strongest association. These are associations only, not proven causes.
What they did
A large survey of 1,831 women aged 18-50 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia conducted between December 2015 and June 2016. Researchers interviewed women about diet, physical activity, smoking, stress, and PMS symptoms, then used statistical analysis to find associations.
What they found
Drinking more than 5 cups of Arabic coffee linked to higher odds of mood changes (2.44 times), pain, appetite gain, and headaches. High sugar intake linked to mood problems and abdominal pain. High psychological distress associated with all symptom domains, especially any 3+ symptoms (3.52 times). Low physical activity linked to breast pain. Smokers 3.41 times more likely to report 3+ symptoms.
What it means for you
Multiple lifestyle factors correlated with PMS symptoms, and stress had the strongest link. This study shows associations, not proof that these factors cause PMS. Conducted in Saudi Arabia, so results may not apply in other countries. The large sample is a strength.
2.44
Increased odds of mood changes with >5 cups coffee
3.52
Increased odds of 3+ symptoms with high stress
3.41
Increased odds of 3+ symptoms for smokers
About the study
- Original title
- Dietary, Psychological and Lifestyle Factors Associated with Premenstrual Symptoms
- Authors
- AlQuaiz A, Albugami M, Kazi A et al.
- Journal
- International journal of women's health
- Year
- 2022
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.2147/ijwh.s387259
Topics
Related studies
Randomised trial, 2018
Does swimming reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms?
Survey study, 2007
Are diet and lifestyle factors associated with premenstrual symptoms?
Survey study, 2026
How common is PMDD in Russian medical students, and what are its symptoms?
Survey study, 2024
What types of premenstrual syndrome exist and how common are they?
Survey study, 2020
How do diet and lifestyle factors relate to PMS and PMDD in medical students?
Randomised trial, 2017
Does yoga help with PMS symptoms?