--- title: How has PMS burden changed worldwide from 1990 to 2021? | Niyora description: The global burden of PMS increased from 1990 to 2021. The burden is heaviest in poorer regions, where the real numbers may be much higher than recorded. url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/global-regional-and-national-burden-of-premenstrual-syndrome-from-1990-to-2021-2025/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - How has PMS burden changed worldwide from 1990 to 2021? Cohort study, 2025 # How has PMS burden changed worldwide from 1990 to 2021? The global burden of PMS increased from 1990 to 2021. The burden is heaviest in poorer regions, where the real numbers may be much higher than recorded. Moderate study design Global health data from 1990 to 2021 ## What they did Researchers examined global health data from 1990 to 2021 and created projections to 2050. They compared burden across countries with different wealth levels and tracked which age groups were most affected. ## What they found PMS burden was higher in 2021 than in 1990. Lower and lower-middle income regions had the highest burden. The age group most affected shifted from 20-24 years old in 1990 to 35-39 years old in 2021. Looking ahead to 2050, the global burden is expected to decline. ## What it means for you PMS is becoming a larger health problem worldwide. However, the numbers in poorer countries are probably much higher than recorded because of limited healthcare access and cultural differences. Women aged 35-44 need greater attention to their mental health throughout their lives. 35-39 years Age group most affected in 2021 20-24 years Age group most affected in 1990 2050 Year of burden projections ## About the study Original title Global, regional, and national burden of premenstrual syndrome from 1990 to 2021 and projections to 2050: an analysis based on the 2021 Global Burden of Disease study Authors Qiang R, Guo L, Xu Z et al. Journal Frontiers in psychiatry Year 2025 Study design Cohort study What was tested None - this study analyzed existing health data, not a treatment Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1644774](https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1644774) Original abstract Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) imposes significant psychological and mental health burdens on women's reproductive and general well-being. Disparities in the recognition and reporting of PMS symptoms exist across different regions, influenced by social, cultural, and economic inequalities. This study aims to inform the development of future resource allocation, and ultimately safeguard women's reproductive mental health. Methods: Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database, we employed Joinpoint regression analysis to examine trends in the burden of PMS from 1990 to 2021, and investigated the impact of the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) on the PMS burden. Additionally, we compared the age distribution characteristics of prevalent PMS cases in 1990 and 2021 and projected the burden to 2050 using the Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) model. Results: Despite fluctuations, the global burden of PMS was higher in 2021 compared to 1990. The low-middle SDI region consistently had the highest age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) and age-standardized years lived with disability (YLDs) rate, which continued to rise; the middle SDI region followed. The high SDI region generally had the lightest burden for most of the period. Among the five SDI regions, only the high-middle SDI region showed a decrease in burden in 2021 compared to 2019. ASPR and age-standardized YLDs rate demonstrated an initial increase followed by a decrease with rising SDI levels. The age distribution of prevalent PMS cases shifted: the peak prevalence moved from the 20-24 age group in 1990 to the 35-39 age group in 2021, while the 40-44 age group was followed by 35-39 in the the same year. Projections showed a declining trend in the global burden of PMS by 2050. Conclusion: Overall, the global burden of PMS has shown an increasing trend from 1990 to 2021. The burden in low SDI regions may be substantially underestimated, influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors. In socioeconomically disadvantaged regions, attention to menstrual-related mental health, scientific diet, and allocation of healthcare resources require further optimization. In fact, mental health of women aged 35-44 should be emphasized throughout their lifespans, for a better reproductive and general well-being. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)[Stigma, attitudes and culture](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-stigma-culture/)[Economic burden](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-economic-burden/) 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 Systematic review, 2025 Does teaching adolescent girls about their menstrual cycle and health help reduce period pain and PMS? Cohort study, 2023 Is PMDD a valid medical diagnosis? 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