Cycles and stress: A deep dive into premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder among Andhra’s medical undergraduates

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) represent cyclical somatic and affective disturbances that substantially influence academic functioning and quality of life among young women. Despite increasing psychiatric awareness, Indian data on prevalence and correlates remain limited. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of PMS and PMDD among female medical undergraduates, and to examine their demographic, menstrual, and behavioural associations. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 150 female MBBS students aged 18–25 years in a medical college in Andhra Pradesh in 2016 and 2018. The premenstrual symptoms screening tool was administered after applying inclusion-exclusion criteria; 112 valid responses were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences v20. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and t-tests were applied. Results: The mean age was 20.34±1.12 years. Prevalence of moderate-to-severe PMS was 20.5%, and no/mild PMS was 79.5%. Significant correlates included absence of regular exercise (P=0.010) and positive family history (P=0.064). Predominant symptoms were decreased interest in work (100%), difficulty concentrating (100%), and depressed mood (95.6%). Functional domains most affected were academic productivity and social relationships (P<0.001). Conclusion: PMS and PMDD constitute substantial yet underrecognized morbidities among Indian medical students, underscoring the need for early screening and psychoeducational interventions within college health systems.