Survey study, 2023

How common are PMS and PMDD in high school girls, and what factors increase risk?

About 1 in 3 high school girls have moderate-severe PMS and 1 in 8 have PMDD. Dysmenorrhea, poor general health, family history of PMS, and excess salt intake increase risk.

Moderate study design 900 high school students in Sari, Iran

What they did

Cross-sectional survey of 900 high school students in Iran in 2019 using standardized questionnaires to assess PMS, PMDD, and general health status and identify associated risk factors.

What they found

33.9% of students had moderate-severe PMS and 12.3% had PMDD. Dysmenorrhea was linked to higher rates of moderate-severe PMS (adjusted odds ratio 2.356) and PMDD (adjusted odds ratio 1.924). Optimal general health was linked to lower rates of PMS (odds ratio 0.326) and PMDD (odds ratio 0.309). Family history of PMS and eating excess salt were also associated with higher PMDD.

What it means for you

PMS is common in high school girls. Good general health appears protective, and dysmenorrhea increases risk. The findings suggest better overall health and dietary habits might reduce PMS. However, this is one cross-sectional study from Iran, so the findings may not apply to all populations.

33.9%

had moderate-severe PMS

12.3%

had PMDD

2.356

odds ratio for dysmenorrhea and PMS

About the study

Original title: The prevalence of moderate-severe premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder and the related factors in high school students: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Babapour F, Elyasi F, Shahhosseini Z et al.
Journal: Neuropsychopharmacology reports
Year: 2023
Study design: Survey study
Participants: 900
What was tested: Observational
Open access: Yes
Read the paper: doi.org/10.1002/npr2.12338

Topics

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)Dysmenorrhea and period pain Low mood and depression Quality of life and daily functioning Students and academic performance Adolescents and young people

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