--- title: What lifestyle and psychological factors relate to how premenstrual symptoms affect quality of life? description: Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods and social media addiction were significantly linked to worse quality of life from PMS symptoms, while mindful eat url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-related-quality-of-life-associations-with-ultra-processed-2026/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - What lifestyle and psychological factors relate to how premenstrual symptoms affect quality of life? Survey study, 2026 # What lifestyle and psychological factors relate to how premenstrual symptoms affect quality of life? Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods and social media addiction were significantly linked to worse quality of life from PMS symptoms, while mindful eating and better well-being were linked to better quality of life. Early or limited evidence 1,741 women ages 18-49 (mean age 24.86 years) ## What they did Cross-sectional online survey of 1,741 women ages 18-49 (mean age 24.86 years). They answered standardized questionnaires about PMS-related quality of life, ultra-processed food consumption, mindful eating, well-being, and social media addiction. ## What they found PMS-related quality of life was significantly linked to social media addiction (r=-0.448, p<0.001), ultra-processed food (r=-0.196, p<0.001), and well-being (r=0.129, p<0.001). Higher ultra-processed food consumption and social media addiction were associated with poorer PMS-related quality of life, while mindful eating and higher well-being showed more favorable associations. ## What it means for you To improve PMS-related quality of life, women may benefit from eating less ultra-processed food, reducing social media use, practicing mindful eating, and improving overall well-being. However, the study only shows associations, not cause-and-effect. Results come from an online survey, so may not represent all women. 1,741 Women in study 24.86 Mean age in years -0.448 Correlation with social media addiction ## About the study Original title Premenstrual syndrome-related quality of life: associations with ultra-processed food consumption, mindful eating, well-being, and social media addiction in women Authors Eroğlu FE, Açıkalın Göktürk B, Arslan N et al. Journal BMC women's health Year 2026 Study design Survey study Participants 1,741 What was tested None Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1186/s12905-026-04267-8](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-026-04267-8) Original abstract BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the associations between premenstrual syndrome–related quality of life (PMS-QoL), ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, mindful eating, well-being, and social media addiction (SMA) among women. METHODS: This study was conducted with 1,741 women aged 18–49 years (mean age: 24.86 ± 8.4). Data were collected via a web-based survey distributed through social media using snowball sampling. Premenstrual Syndrome Quality of Life Scale (PMS-QoL), Screening Questionnaire of Highly Processed Food Consumption (sQ-HPF), Mindful Eating Inventory (MEI), WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS) were used. RESULTS: PMS-QoL was significantly correlated with social media addiction SMAS (r =-0.448,p < 0.001), sQ-HPF (r=-0.196, p < 0.001), and well-being (WHO-5)(r = 0.129, p < 0.001). MEI was positively correlated with WHO-5 (r = 0.179, p < 0.001) and age (r = 0.145, p < 0.001), and negatively correlated with SMAS (r = -0.100, p < 0.001), sQ-HPF (r =-0.086, p < 0.001), and BMI (r =-0.160, p < 0.001). In addition, sQ-HPF was positively correlated with SMAS (r = 0.208, p < 0.001).Linear regression analyses showed that PMS-QoL was significantly associated with BMI, sQ-HPF, SMAS, and WHO-5; (p < 0.001), while MEI was significantly associated with age, BMI, social media usage time, sQ-HPF, and WHO-5 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the multidimensional associations between PMS-related quality of life, eating behaviors, psychological well-being, and social media addiction. Higher UPF consumption and greater social media addiction were associated with poorer PMS-related quality of life, whereas mindful eating and higher well-being showed more favorable associations. From a women’s health perspective, these findings may point to the relevance of lifestyle-oriented and preventive approaches in relation to PMS-related quality of life. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Mindfulness and meditation](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-mindfulness/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/) 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, 2026 Do mindfulness and relaxation techniques help with PMS symptoms? Randomised trial, 2026 Does mindfulness training reduce PMS symptoms and fear about childbirth? Systematic review, 2026 Can mindfulness, yoga or qigong help with PMS symptoms? Systematic review, 2026 Do digital tools and apps help reduce PMS and PMDD symptoms? Study, 2026 What coping strategies help women manage PMS symptoms? Review, 2025 Do yoga and dietary changes help with PMS symptoms? 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