The surprising life impacts of PMS

*This article includes data based on a UK survey conducted by DR.VEGAN^® of 32 customers, nationally representative, during November 2022. All survey findings reflect our own efforts and have not been influenced or verified by any external organisations or third-party entities.

The latest DR.VEGAN^{^®} customer survey reveals 65% of women said they suffer from anxiety as a result of PMS symptoms (premenstrual syndrome), and half of women said they feel depressed as a result of their PMS symptoms. With 79% of women saying PMS is not educated well enough in schools, it's about time for progression in women's health.

PMS symptoms can have a debilitating impact on women's daily lives, and it's time that everyone is aware, including men and employers. Our PMS customer survey explores the extent and impact of PMS symptoms, mental health, hormonal changes, exercise, dietary changes, education and the effectiveness of treatments for PMS, reported by real women across the globe.

You may also enjoy reading 'What PMS type are you?'.

Most common symptoms of PMS

Our PMS customer survey of over 250 women revealed over 20 symptoms of PMS. Over two-thirds of women experience mood swings and bloating, while more than half suffer fatigue during PMS. You may also enjoy reading about the other common reasons you might be bloated.

% of women suffering symptoms

Symptoms commonly talked about such as 'tummy pain', 'back pain', and 'breast tenderness' impact half of women, whilst other symptoms, including 'brain fog' and even 'depression', are also very common, with half of women reporting these symptoms in our survey. Of all the symptoms reported, mood swings, insomnia and depression are reported as the most disruptive to women’s lives.

In our latest vaginal health customer survey of over 1,200 women, 15% of the women reported infections or thrush around their menstrual cycle. This may be caused by period care products that are not designed to support the vaginal microbiome, leading to conditions including thrush, BV, and irritating rashes.

'Period poo' is also a symptom of PMS - learn more from our experts in 'What is period poo?'.

Mental health impact of PMS

PMS can be much more severe than the occasional mood and tummy ache, as many believe it to be.

65% of women said they suffer from anxiety as a result of their PMS symptoms, half of women suffered from depression and 43% experienced insomnia as a result of their PMS. Shockingly, 98% of the women surveyed do not feel productive or confident during PMS.

Remedies for PMS

There is no one-size fits all cure for PMS, with 16 different remedies for PMS reported by respondents. As expected, the most commonly used remedies are pain relievers such as Ibuprofen and paracetamol, followed by specialist supplements for PMS.

When asked 'How effective would you say PMS Hero^® has been in supporting you through pms?', our customer survey revealed that 91% of PMS Hero^{^®} customers said they found it effective.*

Giving into cravings, using a hot water bottle, taking exercise and mindfulness activities are other ways women find relief from PMS.

PMS at school and work

PMS usually starts during puberty, a time when many are still at school. Worryingly, 79% of those surveyed said they feel that they were poorly educated about PMS at school and felt unprepared to deal with it.

41% of women reported they have taken time off work as a result of PMS, and 78% of women feel employers, schools, universities and teachers do not understand PMS or provide sufficient support for women experiencing PMS.

Diet, blood sugar and PMS

Changes in our hormones can have a big impact on our diet during PMS. 67% of women say they eat less healthily when suffering from PMS, and 68% say exercise is more difficult during PMS. You may like to read 'Nutrition tips for PMS', written by expert nutritionists.

Changes in hormones throughout the menstrual cycle, particularly during PMS may cause blood sugar levels to drop which, in turn, creates sugar cravings. These cravings may lead us to make poor dietary choices and reach for foods that may worsen PMS symptoms, including bloating, gas, constipation, fatigue and poor sleep. Learn more in 'How to beat bloating'.

Good foods to reach for during PMS include those with lots of calcium, iron, and B vitamins - learn more in 'Best foods for PMS'.

You can also find out what your diet is missing in our free online Diet Profile - it only takes 3 minutes to complete and shows you how the nutrients in your diet support your health, and where they don't.

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