Introduction: The epidemiological burden of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is mostly overlooked and underdiagnosed due to the stigma around female-prevalent conditions, especially among the Indian population. The limited studies on this show that most of the women suffer from some or other symptoms of PMS&PMDD. Hence, the need of the hour is to educate, evaluate, and treat the condition.
Aim: To understand the epidemiology of premenstrual syndrome in women of reproductive age by providing a structured self-devised novel screening questionnaire.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 450 reproductive age women after attaining consent and educating them about PMS and PMDD. They were then provided the novel questionnaire and screened based on their answers if they experienced the common behavioural and/or somatic symptoms and aggregating the scores based on Likert scale.
Results: 414 (92%) of the screened women had some symptoms. 351 (78%) of these women were screened positive for PMS/PMDD.PMS was prevalent in 189(42%) patients, PMDD in 162 (36%).18 (4%) subjects had severe PMS affecting their lifestyle and wanted to seek immediate treatment, along with 288(64%) affected with moderate PMS. 382(85%) women had no or minimal knowledge about PMS&PMDD. None used or knew about tools for PMS screening. The severity of symptoms was influenced by Body mass index, lifestyle and pre-existing medical conditions like polycystic ovarian disorder, Diabetes Mellitus etc. Based on this study, there is a significant impact of PMS & PMDD on the lives of Indian women without they being aware of it. Despite the growing awareness, there remains a considerable deficiency of knowledge about this condition.
International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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