---
title: How common is PMS in female undergraduate medical students? | Niyora
description: PMS was very common, affecting 73.6% of students. Abdominal pain and cramping were the most common symptoms, followed by mood swings and irritability. Weight
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/prevalence-of-premenstrual-syndrome-among-female-undergraduate-students-of-2026/
---

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- How common is PMS in female undergraduate medical students?

Survey study, 2026

# How common is PMS in female undergraduate medical students?

PMS was very common, affecting 73.6% of students. Abdominal pain and cramping were the most common symptoms, followed by mood swings and irritability. Weight was not linked to PMS in this group.

 Early or limited evidence

212 female undergraduate medical students at one college

## What they did

Cross-sectional survey of 212 female undergraduate medical students. Participants reported PMS symptoms and their height and weight were measured.

## What they found

73.6% had PMS. Mean BMI 21.84±4.07 kg/m². 30.7% (65) sought medical advice, 42% (89) took painkillers. 41% (87) had moderate severity. Most common physiological symptoms: abdominal pain (95.2%, 202), pelvic pain (90.6%, 192). Psychological symptoms: mood swings (92.9%, 197), irritability (88.7%, 188), poor concentration (87.3%, 185). Behavioral symptoms: restlessness (84%, 178), lack of interest (83%, 176). BMI not significantly linked to PMS (p=0.09).

## What it means for you

PMS is very common in student women, with abdominal cramps and mood swings being the main symptoms. Weight does not affect whether someone has PMS. The study only included medical students at one college, so findings may not apply to all women.

73.6%

had PMS

95.2%

had abdominal pain

92.9%

had mood swings

## About the study

Original title Prevalence of “Premenstrual Syndrome” among female undergraduate students of tertiary care institute Authors Suchitra Ravindra Ragit, Leena Balpande, Yamini Pusdekar et al. Journal The New Indian Journal of OBGYN Year 2026 Study design Survey study Participants 212 What was tested None - observational study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.21276/obgyn.2026.v12.i2.14](https://doi.org/10.21276/obgyn.2026.v12.i2.14)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Mood swings and emotion regulation](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-emotional-regulation/)[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/)

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