How common are severe PMS and PMDD in young women, and what are the risk factors?

Background: Premenstrual disorders including premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder are common among young women and can significantly impair quality of life.Aim: To assess the prevalence of premenstrual disorders and factors associated with it among female university students in Cairo, Egypt.Study design: Cross-sectional study Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 756 unmarried female students aged 18–22 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the Arabic Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (APMSS). Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.Results: Normal to mild premenstrual syndrome was reported by 66.7% of participants, while 26.1% screened positive for moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome and 7.3% screened positive for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Significant factors associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder included, rural residence, early age at menarche ( 7 days, lack of physical exercise, and positive family history of hypertension. While enough sleeping hours (8 hours or more/day) were found to be protective (p<0.05).Conclusion: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is prevalent among university students and strongly associated with lifestyle and menstrual factors. Early screening and health education programs are recommended.

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