Case-control study, 2019

Does weight and body composition affect the risk of PMS?

Yes, but in a surprising direction. Women with lower BMI had PMS more often than women with higher BMI. Women with PMS also had more muscle and water and less body fat.

Moderate study design 476 women aged 18, including 233 with PMS and 243 without PMS

What they did

Researchers studied 476 women aged 18 divided into two groups: 233 with PMS and 243 without PMS. During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, they measured height, weight, and body composition using bioelectrical impedance to calculate BMI and fat and muscle percentages.

What they found

Women with normal BMI under 25 had PMS twice as often as women with BMI 25 or higher (68.2% versus 31.8%). Women with PMS had significantly higher muscle mass and body water and lower fat mass than women without PMS.

What it means for you

This is surprising because women with lower body fat have PMS more often. However, this is observational and cannot prove body composition causes PMS. The finding needs confirmation in other studies.

68.2%

PMS in BMI less than 25

31.8%

PMS in BMI 25 or higher

twice

rate of PMS in normal BMI

About the study

Original title: The relationship between body mass index, body composition and premenstrual syndrome prevalence in girls
Authors: Mizgier M, Jarzabek-Bielecka G, Jakubek E et al.
Journal: Ginekologia polska
Year: 2019
Study design: Case-control study
Participants: 243
What was tested: No intervention - observational measurement of body composition
Open access: Yes
Read the paper: doi.org/10.5603/gp.2019.0048

Topics

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Menstrual cycle and mood Relationships and partners Adolescents and young people

Study, 2026

What coping strategies help women manage PMS symptoms?

Systematic review, 2026

What life experiences and personal factors influence how severe PMS is?

Survey study, 2025

What psychological and personal factors predict which university students will develop premenstrual syndrome?

Survey study, 2024

Does poor sleep and period problems affect teen mental health?

Survey study, 2022

Is premenstrual syndrome related to aggression in adolescent girls?