--- title: What factors are linked to PMS severity in female college students? description: BMI, menstrual flow amount, when menstruation started, and field of study were linked to PMS symptom severity. url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-symptoms-and-associated-factors-in-female-students-in-saudi-arabia-2025/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - What factors are linked to PMS severity in female college students? Survey study, 2025 # What factors are linked to PMS severity in female college students? BMI, menstrual flow amount, when menstruation started, and field of study were linked to PMS symptom severity. Early or limited evidence 370 female college students in Saudi Arabia ## What they did Researchers surveyed 370 female college students in Saudi Arabia, measuring PMS symptoms (physical, psychological, and behavioral) and factors like BMI, age at first period, menstrual cycle length, and menstrual flow. ## What they found 65.4% had normal BMI. 76.5% reported moderate menstrual flow. Students with higher BMI had lower psychological and behavioral PMS symptom scores. Students from non-healthcare departments had higher psychological PMS symptoms. Students with early menarche (age 13 or younger) had higher behavioral PMS symptoms. ## What it means for you Physical characteristics and field of study may relate to PMS severity. One surprising finding was that students with higher BMI reported fewer psychological symptoms, which may not reflect a true protective effect. Limited to one college in Saudi Arabia and cannot prove cause and effect. 370 participants 65.4% had normal BMI 76.5% had moderate menstrual flow ## About the study Original title Premenstrual symptoms and associated factors in female students in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study Authors Rani VI, Saikannan A, Aseeri AS et al. Journal Frontiers in public health Year 2025 Study design Survey study Participants 370 What was tested Observational study (no intervention tested) Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1699948](https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1699948) Original abstract Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common condition affecting the physical, psychological, and behavioral health of reproductive-aged women. This study aimed to assess the association between sociodemographic and menstrual characteristics and the severity of PMS symptoms among female students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 370 female college students. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic factors, menstrual characteristics, and PMS symptoms across three domains: physiological, psychological, and behavioral. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors. Results: Departments (94.6%). The majority had a normal BMI (65.4%), and 76.5% reported moderate menstrual flow. ANOVA results indicated significant associations between PMS symptoms and BMI, marital status, menstrual cycle length, and menstrual flow. In the regression models, overweight or obese students demonstrated significantly lower physiological ( β = -0.283, p = 0.031), psychological ( β = -0.348, p = 0.018), and behavioral symptom scores ( β = -0.481, p β = 0.931, p β = -0.283, p = 0.031). Additionally, students from non-healthcare departments demonstrated significantly higher psychological symptoms ( β = -0.744, p = 0.001), and those who experienced early menarche (≤13 years) showed more behavioral symptoms ( β = 0.424, p = 0.013) than healthcare students. Conclusion: PMS symptoms among female students are significantly influenced by BMI, menstrual flow characteristics, department of study, and age at menarche. These findings highlight the importance of targeted health education and support programs that consider these factors to effectively manage PMS symptoms in this population. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/)[Adolescents and young people](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-adolescents/) 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? Non-randomised trial, 2026 Do dietary changes or sun exposure reduce PMS symptoms in adolescent girls? Survey study, 2026 How common are severe PMS and PMDD in young women, and what are the risk factors? Non-randomised trial, 2026 Does a lifestyle education program reduce PMS symptoms? Randomised trial, 2025 Does aerobic exercise with lifestyle changes reduce PMS symptoms in college students? Study, 2025 Can group therapy help adolescent girls with PMS manage emotions and reduce binge eating? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗