How common is PMS in university students and what symptoms do they experience?

Introduction: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder in childbearing age. Based on different definitions, it is accompanied with specific annoying symptoms that clearly emerge after ovulation and decrease or end with the onset of menstruation. Methods: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome in university students of Sistan and Baluchestan University (Iran) in the academic year 2013-2014. Two hundred and one female university students living in dormitories were randomly selected. The subjects completed two questionnaires of Demographic Information and Symptom Assessment based on the criteria of ACOG and DSM-IV. Results: According to the mentioned criteria, “36.3%” of subjects suffered from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and “85.6%” of subjects indicated the symptoms of PMS. The severity of PMS in 14(%7) subjects was high. Of 86 and 72 subjects “42.8%” and “35.8%” was moderate respectively, it was mild. Among university students, the most common mood symptom (emotional) and somatic symptom (physical) were fatigue and lethargy and abdominal pain (“72.6%” and “62.7%”, respectively). PMS was significantly related to dysmenorrhea and severity of menstrual pain (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of this syndrome and its effect on various aspects of life, we highly recommend informing young individuals through books, workshops and media in order to identify the symptoms, provide information about methods of control and treatment of this syndrome, and apply non-interventional treatments and methods to reduce the symptoms.

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