---
title: Is stress related to premenstrual symptoms and irregular periods?
description: Yes. Stress is independently associated with both PMS and irregular cycles. Women reporting these menstrual problems had significantly higher stress scores.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-relationship-between-premenstrual-symptoms-menstrual-pain-irregular-2009/
---

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- Is stress related to premenstrual symptoms and irregular periods?

Survey study, 2009

# Is stress related to premenstrual symptoms and irregular periods?

Yes. Stress is independently associated with both PMS and irregular cycles. Women reporting these menstrual problems had significantly higher stress scores.

 Early or limited evidence

221 Japanese college students, mean age 19.4 years

## What they did

Researchers surveyed 221 Japanese college students (mean age 19.4 years) about stress levels, premenstrual symptoms, menstrual pain, and whether their cycles were irregular.

## What they found

79% reported premenstrual symptoms, 79% reported menstrual pain, and 63% had irregular cycles. Women with these symptoms had higher stress scores than those without. Stress was an independent predictor of PMS and irregular cycles.

## What it means for you

Stress may contribute to menstrual problems in young women. The study is limited to college students in Japan and may not apply to other ages or countries.

79%

with premenstrual symptoms

79%

with menstrual pain

63%

with irregular cycles

## About the study

Original title The relationship between premenstrual symptoms, menstrual pain, irregular menstrual cycles, and psychosocial stress among Japanese college students Authors Yamamoto K, Okazaki A, Sakamoto Y et al. Journal Journal of physiological anthropology Year 2009 Study design Survey study Participants 264 What was tested None Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.2114/jpa2.28.129](https://doi.org/10.2114/jpa2.28.129)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/)

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