Association of hemoglobin levels with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in adults

Abstract

Background: Most women of reproductive age experience physical, emotional, and psychological discomfort in the week before menstruation called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, the specific cause for PMS is still not clear. In this study, we aimed at assessing the association of hemoglobin (Hb) level with PMS symptoms. Materials and Methods: One hundred and forty-nine healthy female students from medical and paramedical courses of age 18–22 years who were not on any medications were included in the study. The Hb of each participant was measured. A structured PMS symptoms questionnaire was designed based on the article by Lori M. Dickerson et al. The participants were asked to fill the questionnaire and scoring was done. Data were analyzed in SPSS V24. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate proportions and inferential statistics such as the unpaired t-test and one-way analysis of variance was used to compare the Hb level among those with PMS and those without and the association of Hb level with the type of PMS symptoms, respectively. Results: 58.4% had PMS. There was a significant association of Hb level with PMS and lower Hb level was associated with physical and emotional symptoms. Conclusion: Occurrence of PMS symptoms was proportional to a fall in Hb level. Most physical symptoms of PMS are similar to anemia, hence can be confused due to PMS. Therefore, Hb level estimation helps in preventing misdiagnosis of PMS or symptoms related to decreased Hb level and also symptoms can be reduced by improving Hb levels.