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Case report, 2025

How common are premenstrual symptoms in women during COVID-19 quarantine?

In a survey of 109 Italian women in May 2020, 77% reported premenstrual symptoms and approximately 36.7% reported at least five symptoms including mood symptoms.

Early or limited evidence 109 Italian women, surveyed in May 2020

What they did

Cross-sectional online survey. Women completed an anonymous questionnaire in May 2020 using Google Forms. The survey included questions based on the standard diagnostic criteria for PMDD.

What they found

Of 109 Italian women surveyed, 77% reported experiencing premenstrual symptoms. Approximately 36.7% of respondents reported experiencing at least five symptoms, including one core mood symptom.

What it means for you

During COVID-19 quarantine, a large proportion of Italian women reported premenstrual symptoms, which was higher than in previous research. The researchers suggest this may be due to quarantine stress. This was a single survey from one point in time in one country, so the results may not apply to other places or times.

109

Number of women surveyed

77%

Percentage reporting premenstrual symptoms

36.7%

Percentage with at least five symptoms including mood symptoms

About the study

Original title
Prevalence of self-reported premenstrual psychological symptoms during the COVID-19 quarantine: an exploratory cross-sectional study
Authors
Simonetti G, Taruschio G
Journal
Health psychology report
Year
2025
Study design
Case report
Participants
109
What was tested
None; observational survey only
Open access
Yes

Topics