Survey study, 2008
How common are menstrual problems among young women, and how much do they interfere with daily life?
In this study of 112 undergraduate female medical students, 67% reported PMS and 33% reported severe period pain. These problems significantly interfered with school, with 54% needing extra rest and 50% unable to study.
What they did
112 undergraduate female medical students were surveyed using a structured questionnaire about menstrual problems and how they affected their daily routine.
What they found
PMS was reported by 67%, dysmenorrhea by 33%. The main effects on daily routine were prolonged resting (54%) and inability to study (50%). More than half (52%) discussed problems with their mother, and 60% sought treatment.
What it means for you
Menstrual problems are very common in young women and significantly affect their ability to study and function. However, this study only included medical students in one city in India, so results may not apply to all women or all countries.
67%
reported PMS
54%
needed prolonged rest
50%
unable to study
About the study
- Original title
- Problems related to menstruation and their effect on daily routine of students of a medical college in Delhi, India
- Authors
- Sharma A, Taneja DK, Sharma P et al.
- Journal
- Asia-Pacific journal of public health
- Year
- 2008
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 276
- What was tested
- None - survey study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1177/1010539508316939
Topics
Related studies
Systematic review, 2025
Does teaching adolescent girls about their menstrual cycle and health help reduce period pain and PMS?
Survey study, 2026
Do young women with PMS search online for health information more and develop health anxiety from it?
Non-randomised trial, 2026
Does video-guided digital menstrual exercise reduce PMS and period pain in adolescent girls?
Survey study, 2024
How common is PMS among adolescent girls and what factors are linked to it?
Review, 2024
Does yoga help reduce period pain and premenstrual symptoms?
Interview study, 2024
How do young women use period tracker apps to manage their menstrual cycles?