Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study on PMS/PMDD and Stress Factors in the Life of Female Medical Students

Purpose: To investigate relationship among PMS/PMDD and stress factors, menstrual distress, psychological distress, menstrual cycle and life habits in female medical student’s life. Method: The authors conducted a survey among all students of a medical university in Tokyo between October 15 and 27, 2015, using anonymous self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaire assessed cognitions about 18 stress factors in student life, the premenstrual symptoms screening tool (PSST), menstrual-associated symptoms (modified Menstrual Distress Questionnaire: mMDQ), psychological distress (the Kessler 6), menstrual cycle, age, grade, height, weight, smoking and drinking habits, exercise habits, and eating habits. Results: We had 56 (13.6%) moderate to severe PMS, and 10 (2.4%) participants were considered PMDD cases in 412 responded. Among PMS group (moderate to severe PMS/ PMDD) there were compared with the health group (No/mild PMS) significantly many who felt stressed by interpersonal relationships, changes in climate and physical condition, menstruation and physique. In the MDQ, too, complaints about pain, difficulties in concentrating, behavioral changes, autonomic reaction, water retention, and the tendency toward depression pronounced. We could not detect any direct relationships between abnormal menstrual cycles and life habits (smoking, drinking, exercise, and eating). Conclusion: Approximately 16% of our female medical students suffer from moderate to severe PMS/PMDD and constantly perceive not only interpersonal relations but also their own physical condition and body shape as excessively stressful. For us, the medical staff, the PMS such as public health issue in this field is of paramount importance, and is felt urgent by female doctors.