Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 12, 2025
Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
Associations between premenstrual symptoms and (traumatic) stress: a systematic review and three multilevel
Celine Bencker1,2, Ulrich S Tran3,2, Leopold H O Roth4
1Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Background:
Core premenstrual disorders (PMDs), including premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, can cause significant impairment. Despite evidence linking stress and premenstrual symptoms, a systematic synthesis is lacking.
Aims:
To systematically review the literature and meta-analyse evidence on the relationship between premenstrual symptoms and stress.
Method:
Four databases (Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus) and Google Scholar were searched for studies indexed before 27 August 2024 (no language/year restrictions) assessing the relationship between self-reported stress and premenstrual symptoms in regularly menstruating individuals (PROSPERO: CRD42021244503). Three multilevel meta-analyses estimated (a) the correlation between stress and premenstrual symptom severity, (b) stress differences between individuals with and without core PMD across the menstrual cycle and (c) the impact of traumatic experiences on the occurrence of premenstrual symptoms. Study quality and publication bias were assessed.
Results:
We synthesised 188 effect sizes from 66 studies (N = 38 344), indicating (a) a positive correlation (r = 0.29, 95% CI 0.23-0.36); (b) higher stress levels in participants with core PMD (d = 0.79, 95% CI 0.32-1.26), particularly during the luteal phase (d lut = 1.01, 95% CI 0.46-1.57); and (c) over twofold higher odds (odds ratio 2.45, 95% CI 1.87-3.23) of PMS in individuals with a history of trauma. Heterogeneity was high (I2 = 84.64-91.38%); one meta-analysis (c) showed evidence of publication bias.
Conclusions:
The results indicate an association between stress and premenstrual symptoms, an effect of cycle phase and trauma as a risk factor for PMS. Future research should explore underlying biopsychosocial mechanisms.
More Related Videos
11:31Rapid Fractionation and Isolation of Whole Blood Components in Samples Obtained from a Community-based Setting
Published on: November 30, 2015
06:39Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
Related Concept Videos
01:20Psychological Responses to Stress
01:27Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
01:30Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
01:27Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
01:23Types of Stressors
Catastrophes
Catastrophes refer to large-scale, unpredictable events that create overwhelming stress and a sense of threat. Examples include natural disasters like...