Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are common but under-recognised causes of women's psychological distress and functional impairment. Awareness of the problem is increasing worldwide, but there are few epidemiological data on urban Indian populations.
Aims: To estimate the prevalence, severity patterns, and functional impairment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its severe form (premenstrual dysphoric disorder; PMDD) among reproductive-age women in an urban Indian population, and to examine their distribution across sociodemographic and lifestyle variables.
Methods: A cross-sectional screening study was conducted among 301 women aged 18–40 years. The Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) was administered. Severity of symptoms and functional impairment were assessed across emotional, physical, occupational, and interpersonal domains. Descriptive analyses were conducted to estimate prevalence patterns by age, education, occupation, relationship status, and substance use categories.
Results: 38.2% reported moderate-to-severe PMS, and 18.27% screened positive for PMDD. Irritability (37.2%) and fatigue (37.6%) were the most frequently reported moderate-to-severe symptoms, and nearly 47% also reported important physical symptoms. Occupational productivity (37.2%) and social activities (38.2%) showed the highest levels of functional impairment. Prevalence patterns were relatively similar across demographic splits. However, women who reported more frequent substance use, less physical activity, shorter duration of sleep and junk food consumption—symptoms were significantly higher among them.
Conclusion: Premenstrual disorders are a significant reproductive mental health burden among urban women, causing emotional and functional impairment. The results underscore the importance of routine screening, menstrual mental health education, and integrative intervention strategies to ameliorate psychosocial dysfunction and improve QOL.
Keywords: Premenstrual Syndrome; Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder; PSST; Women's Mental Health; Functional Impairment; Substance Use; Reproductive Health.
How to cite this article: Katoch S, Attree A, Prevalence, Functional Impairment, and Lifestyle Correlates of Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder among Reproductive-Age Women: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(4s): 640-649; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.4s.76
Source of support: Nil
Conflict of interest: None