Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its more severe form “premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)” is a common yet underdiagnosed disorder. It is characterized by anxiety, mood changes, and several somatic symptoms in the last week of the luteal phase and began to remit within a few days after the onset of the follicular phase.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of PMS and PMDD among females at a tertiary care center and evaluate the associated symptomatology, sociodemographic variables, and functional impairment.

In an observational, cross-sectional study, 150 randomly selected females (18–30 years) were evaluated for menstrual history after sociodemographic profiling. Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV)-TR (SCID)-PMDD was applied among those who were positive on premenstrual symptoms screening tool. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 14.0.

The prevalence of PMS was 21.33%. Moderate to severe PMS was 14% and PMDD was 7.33% according to DSM-IV-TR criteria. Fatigue/lack of energy, decreased interest in work were the most commonly reported symptoms. Decreased school/work efficiency and productivity was the commonest form of functional impairment. Increased body mass index, onset of symptoms since menarche, duration of premenstrual symptoms, menstrual cramps, and family history showed statistically significant association with PMS/PMDD.

Premenstrual syndrome is fairly common and causes significant functional impairment. Screening females in relevant age group for its symptomatology may aid in early detection and better management.

Swami M, Narain M, Kanwal K, Mishra M, Singh S. Premenstrual Syndrome: Correlation and Functional Impairment. J Mahatma Gandhi Univ Med Sci Tech 2017;2(1):18-22.