How common is PMS in women in Gujranwala division, Pakistan and what are the risk factors?

Introduction: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by cyclic reoccurrence of distressing somatic and psychological manifestations, during luteal phase of menstrual cycle. Present research work aims to investigate prevalence of PMS in females of Gujranwala division Pakistan and to explore various risk factors associated with this syndrome. Methods: The study included self-administered questionnaire, for diagnosis of PMS and PMDD. Participants were analysed for socio-demographic characteristics and menstrual history, serum cholesterol and haemoglobin levels of patients and control were measured. Results: In the present study, 56% females were screened positive for PMS while Prevalence PMDD was 18%. Most common physical symptoms of PMS were abdominal bloating (63.2%), muscle pain (71.73%), lack of energy (85.85%) and appetite change (79.15%) whereas major distressing psychological were Irritability (82.32%), anger (74.55%), depression (49%) and anxiety (63.2%). Prevalence of PMS was 22.6% in underweight, 50.1% in participants having normal weight, 15.5% in overweight individuals and 11.6% in obese. Anaemia (P = 0.00), fatigue (P = 0.00), dysmenorrhea (P = 0.00), family history of PMS (P = 0.00) and residential area (P = 0.047) were major risk factors for development of different symptoms of PMS. Conclusion: Statistically significant association was not confirmed between PMS, obesity and blood cholesterol level. PMS is a common menstrual disorder among reproductive females of Gujranwala division, Pakistan. Findings of the study revealed that anemic females were at risk to develop PMS symptoms.

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