---
title: How common is PMS in medical students and how severe? | Niyora
description: 19.2% of students had PMS, with 4.3% mild, 8.1% moderate, and 6.8% severe. This is a small single-college study so the numbers may not apply to all women.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/frequency-and-severity-of-premenstrual-syndrome-among-undergraduate-medical-2021/
---

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- How common is PMS in medical students and how severe?

Survey study, 2021

# How common is PMS in medical students and how severe?

19.2% of students had PMS, with 4.3% mild, 8.1% moderate, and 6.8% severe. This is a small single-college study so the numbers may not apply to all women.

 Early or limited evidence

161 female medical students aged 18-25 at Allama Iqbal Medical College, Pakistan

## What they did

Cross-sectional study of 161 female medical students aged 18-25. Used a modified DRSP severity scale to measure PMS. Excluded women with irregular periods, certain medical conditions, or hormonal medications.

## What they found

PMS found in 31 of 161 students (19.2%). Of those with PMS, 4.3% mild, 8.1% moderate, 6.8% severe. Mean age was 19.9 years, mean BMI was 19.9 kg/m2. Severity was higher in 4-5 year students (p=0.095). 67.1% of students lived away from parents.

## What it means for you

About 1 in 5 medical students reported PMS. Actual rates may be higher because women on hormonal contraception were excluded. Limited to one college and one age group.

19.2%

Had PMS

8.1%

Moderate severity

67.1%

Lived away from parents

## About the study

Original title Frequency and Severity of Premenstrual Syndrome among Undergraduate Medical Students Authors Saira Yunus, Bushra Bano, Ayesha Farooq et al. Journal Esculapio Year 2021 Study design Survey study Participants 161 What was tested None Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.51273/esc20.251646](https://doi.org/10.51273/esc20.251646)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/)

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