---
title: How do premenstrual symptoms affect mothers and their parenting?
description: Psychological symptoms of PMS were linked to higher parenting stress. Women said irritability was the most troubling PMS symptom, but most developed ways to m
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/mommys-having-a-bad-day-the-impact-of-premenstrual-symptoms-on-mothering-2021/
---

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- How do premenstrual symptoms affect mothers and their parenting?

Interview study, 2021

# How do premenstrual symptoms affect mothers and their parenting?

Psychological symptoms of PMS were linked to higher parenting stress. Women said irritability was the most troubling PMS symptom, but most developed ways to manage.

 Moderate study design

55 mothers of young children (46 completed interviews)

## What they did

Mixed-methods study of 55 mothers of young children. 46 completed interviews. Researchers measured parenting stress, life stress, and premenstrual symptoms using standard scales.

## What they found

Parenting stress scores were high but below clinical concern levels. Psychological PMS symptoms were significantly associated with higher parenting distress. Irritability was identified as the most concerning PMS symptom in interviews. Most mothers developed strategies to reduce parenting stress.

## What it means for you

PMS symptoms, especially irritability, can make parenting more stressful. Women and healthcare providers need more education about how PMS affects mothering. The study involved only mothers of young children, so findings may not apply to all women.

55

Mothers enrolled

46

Mothers who completed interviews

## About the study

Original title “Mommy’s Having a Bad Day”: The Impact of Premenstrual Symptoms on Mothering Authors Leslie Maureen Tutty, Lynn Barry, Kendra Nixon Journal Women s Reproductive Health Year 2021 Study design Interview study Participants 55 What was tested Assessment of symptoms and stress Read the paper [doi.org/10.1080/23293691.2021.2016137](https://doi.org/10.1080/23293691.2021.2016137)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)

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

Is there a link between stress, trauma, and premenstrual symptoms?

Cohort study, 2025

Do pain sensitivity and negative thinking explain how trauma and stress cause PMS or PMDD?

Survey study, 2025

How does sexual desire change during the menstrual cycle?

Survey study, 2025

Are premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms, stress, and sleep quality linked in female nursing students?

Survey study, 2023

Does stress cause women with PMDD to eat emotionally?

Case-control study, 2013

Are stress hormones different in women with PMDD?

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