Survey study, 2023
Is stress a risk factor for PMS in young women?
Yes. Stress is linked to PMS. More than 3 out of 4 students had PMS, and those with high stress, younger age, irregular exercise, and living away from home were more likely to have it.
What they did
Surveyed female health professional students aged 18-35. Measured their PMS symptoms and stress levels using standard questionnaires.
What they found
76.35% of students had PMS. PMS was more common in students aged 18-21, those living away from home, those who exercised irregularly, and those with high stress. The most common emotional symptoms were reduced social interaction and irritability. The most common physical symptoms were muscle pain and abdominal bloating. Students with PMS had significantly higher stress levels than those without.
What it means for you
High stress is linked to PMS in young women. Reducing stress through yoga and relaxation techniques might ease PMS and improve quality of life. The study was in medical students, so results may not apply to all young women.
76.35%
of students had PMS
18-21
age group with highest PMS rates
About the study
- Original title
- Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome among students – Stress a potential risk factor
- Authors
- Himalini Nandakumar, Maheshkumar Kuppusamy, Lavanya Sekhar et al.
- Journal
- Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health
- Year
- 2023
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 50
- What was tested
- None (observational study measuring stress and PMS levels)
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.cegh.2023.101368
Topics
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