--- title: How common is PMS among female medical students, and how severe are the symptoms? description: PMS is very common in female medical students (71.1%), with most having both emotional and physical symptoms of moderate severity. url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-prevalence-and-symptom-profile-of-premenstrual-syndrome-among-medical-2025/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - How common is PMS among female medical students, and how severe are the symptoms? Survey study, 2025 # How common is PMS among female medical students, and how severe are the symptoms? PMS is very common in female medical students (71.1%), with most having both emotional and physical symptoms of moderate severity. Early or limited evidence 190 female medical students in South India ## What they did 190 female medical students in South India were interviewed about their PMS symptoms and when they occurred during the menstrual cycle using a questionnaire. ## What they found 71.1% (135 out of 190) had PMS. Emotional symptoms were nearly universal: irritability (95.3%), mood swings (92.6%), sadness (81.6%), and anxiety (64.7%). Physical symptoms included fatigue (90.5%), backache (82.1%), acne (76.8%), bloating (73.7%), and headache (59.5%). Among those with PMS, 65.3% had moderate severity, 16.8% had severe, 17.9% had mild. Most symptoms appeared only during the premenstrual phase. ## What it means for you Most medical students have PMS with significant emotional and physical symptoms of moderate severity. These symptoms can affect academic performance and well-being. The study recommends routine screening, menstrual health education, and access to medical and psychological support. 71.1% overall PMS prevalence 95.3% experienced irritability 65.3% had moderate severity ## About the study Original title The Prevalence and Symptom Profile of Premenstrual Syndrome Among Medical Students in a South Indian Medical College: A Cross-Sectional Study Authors Raja AS, Govindarajan Venguidesvarane A, Thangasamy KT Journal Cureus Year 2025 Study design Survey study Participants 190 What was tested None. This was an observational study. Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.7759/cureus.98972](https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.98972) Original abstract Introduction Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a prevalent yet underrecognized gynecological condition among women of reproductive age. It is characterized by physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Among medical students, who often experience substantial academic and emotional stress, these symptoms can significantly affect their well-being, academic performance, and daily functioning. Objective The primary objective was to estimate the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) among female medical students. The secondary objectives were to assess the severity of PMS symptoms and to examine the timing of affective and somatic symptoms in relation to the menstrual cycle. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted among 190 medical students in a South Indian medical college. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews using the premenstrual syndrome questionnaire, which covers demographic details and premenstrual syndrome symptoms. Analysis was done using IBM Corp. Released 2014. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Descriptive statistics were represented in numbers and percentages. Results The overall prevalence of PMS was 135 (71.1%). Affective symptoms such as irritability was 181 (95.3%), mood swings was 176 (92.6%), sadness was 155 (81.6%), and anxiety was 123 (64.7%) were highly prevalent, while somatic symptoms including fatigue 172 was (90.5%), backache was 156 (82.1%), acne was 146 (76.8%), abdominal bloating was 140 (73.7%), and headache was 113 (59.5%) were also frequently reported. Among those experiencing symptoms, the majority, 124 (65.3%), had moderate severity, while 32 (16.8%) had severe symptoms and 34 (17.9%) had mild symptoms. Severe symptoms were most pronounced for abdominal cramps, 83 (43.7%); mood swings, 62 (32.6%); and irritability, 60 (31.6%). Most symptoms were present during the premenstrual phase, with only a few persisting beyond menstruation. Conclusion PMS is widespread among young adult women in academic settings, with a substantial burden of emotional and somatic symptoms. These symptoms can impact both personal well-being and academic performance. Improving awareness, incorporating menstrual health education, and ensuring access to timely medical and psychological support could help students cope better and improve both health and academic outcomes. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[Mood swings and emotion regulation](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-emotional-regulation/)[Bloating, breast tenderness and physical symptoms](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-physical-symptoms/)[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)[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/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Survey study, 2015 How common is PMS in teenage school girls in an urban city in India? Systematic review, 2025 Does teaching adolescent girls about their menstrual cycle and health help reduce period pain and PMS? Survey study, 2026 Can changing your diet help with period and PMS symptoms like fatigue, mood swings and bloating? Survey study, 2026 Do college students know that exercise helps PMS and do they actually exercise? Survey study, 2025 What is premenstrual syndrome and how can it be managed in adolescent girls? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗