Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Systematic Review of Academic Performance and Well-Being in University Students.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are common among women of reproductive age and are associated with academic performance and general well-being at the university level. This review aimed to synthesize evidence on the prevalence of PMS and PMDD and their associations with academic, psychological, and well-being outcomes among female medical and health sciences students. Searches were conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE via Ovid, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, and EBSCOhost, through which Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO were searched for studies published between January 2014 and December 2024. Of 317 identified records, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria; all were observational and cross-sectional. Prevalence estimates varied widely, with PMS ranging from 37.0% to 86.2% and probable PMDD from 13.8% to 66.9%. All PMDD estimates were based on questionnaire screening rather than prospective diagnostic confirmation and therefore represent screening-positive cases rather than confirmed diagnoses. Premenstrual symptoms were associated with impaired concentration, absenteeism, reduced class participation, lower perceived academic performance, and poorer psychological well-being. Associated factors included severe dysmenorrhea, family history, academic stress, irregular or shorter menstrual cycles, and low physical activity. The cross-sectional designs, heterogeneous diagnostic criteria, and varying outcome measures limit causal inference and generalizability. PMS and probable PMDD are associated with poorer academic performance and well-being among female medical and health sciences students. Universities should consider proportionate supportive responses, including menstrual health education, access to health services and counseling, and appropriate academic or social support. Future research should employ standardized diagnostic and outcome measures and prospective study designs.