---
title: How much do PMS and menstrual disorders affect women's work, school, and quality of life?
description: Significantly. PMS and related menstrual disorders reduce quality of life, mental health, and work productivity. Most productivity loss comes from working whi
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-impact-of-menstruation-related-symptoms-on-womens-quality-of-life-work-2026/
---

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- How much do PMS and menstrual disorders affect women's work, school, and quality of life?

Review, 2026

# How much do PMS and menstrual disorders affect women's work, school, and quality of life?

Significantly. PMS and related menstrual disorders reduce quality of life, mental health, and work productivity. Most productivity loss comes from working while unwell rather than missing work.

 Moderate study design

Women aged 14 to 59 with menstruation-related disorders including PMS and PMDD.

## What they did

Researchers reviewed 86 studies published from January 2014 to December 2025 about how menstruation-related disorders affect women aged 14 to 59. They examined impacts on quality of life, work and school productivity, and economic outcomes.

## What they found

Menstrual disorders were consistently linked with reduced quality of life, psychological distress, and impaired work and academic functioning. Most productivity loss came from presenteeism (working while unwell) rather than absenteeism. Both PMS and PMDD involved absenteeism and presenteeism. Anxiety, depression, mood problems, and sleep disturbance were major contributors to quality of life loss. Lifestyle factors modified symptom severity. Treatment improved symptoms, but productivity gains were inconsistent.

## What it means for you

Menstrual disorders impact mental health and work, not just physical symptoms. Most burden comes from working while unwell, which traditional measures miss. Treatment should address both symptoms and mental health. Limitation: diverse studies with different designs were summarized thematically rather than statistically combined.

86

Number of studies reviewed

2014-2025

Years of studies included

14-59

Age range of participants (years)

## About the study

Original title The impact of menstruation-related symptoms on women’s quality of life, work productivity, and economic burden: a structured narrative review Authors Yuki Enomoto, Osamu Wada‐Hiraike, Maika Nariai et al. Journal BMC Women s Health Year 2026 Study design Review What was tested Various medical treatments and lifestyle modifications examined across studies. Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1186/s12905-026-04753-z](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-026-04753-z)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/)[Economic burden](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-economic-burden/)

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