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Survey study, 2026

How common are PMS symptoms in women, and do lifestyle factors like exercise and stress affect them?

Most women with PMS don't exercise and report stress (82% emotional symptoms, 76% fatigue), suggesting lifestyle matters. But the survey had no control group, so we can't prove lifestyle changes reduce PMS.

Early or limited evidence 650 women aged 18–40 with regular menstrual cycles

What they did

650 women aged 18–40 with regular periods answered an online survey about their PMS symptoms, diet, exercise, and stress levels.

What they found

82% reported emotional symptoms like mood swings and irritability, 76% reported fatigue, and 59.54% reported food cravings. 72.31% didn't exercise regularly, and 53.69% reported dealing with stress. 75.08% had medium menstrual flow, and 36% reported blood clots. Most (71.23%) had heard of PMS.

What it means for you

Most women with PMS are not exercising regularly and report stress, suggesting lifestyle changes like more exercise or stress reduction could help. However, this was a survey without a control group, so we can't prove that these changes would actually reduce PMS.

82%

reported emotional symptoms (mood swings, irritability)

76%

reported fatigue

72.31%

did not exercise regularly

About the study

Original title
Impact of premenstrual syndrome on daily activities and quality of life: a survey analysis
Authors
Titli Bhattacharjee, Prayushi Patel, Priti sunil Rajbhar et al.
Journal
International Journal of Reproduction Contraception Obstetrics and Gynecology
Year
2026
Study design
Survey study
Participants
650
Open access
Yes

Topics