Explorative Evaluation of the Impact of Premenstrual Disorder on Daily Functioning and Quality of Life

Objectives: To assess the effects of premenstrual disorders on health-related quality of life (HR-QOL), hobbies and social activities, and relationships with others in the multinational IMPACT study. Methods: Women aged 15–45 years were screened for suspected premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and invited to participate in this web-based study. Based on the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP), prospectively assessed over two observational cycles, participants were grouped into two categories: no perceived symptoms/mild PMS or moderate-to-severe PMS/PMDD. HR-QOL was assessed retrospectively at baseline using the SF-12. Results: Overall, 1477 women started the study. Of these, 822 (56%) completed the DRSP and SF-12 questionnaires as planned. Moderate-to-severe PMS/ PMDD was associated with a reduction in HR-QOL compared with no perceived symptoms/mild PMS for both mental component scores (34.5±8.7 vs 39.0±9.5) and physical component scores (48.9±7.9 vs 51.1±7.2). Women with moderate-to-severe PMS/PMDD experienced a significantly greater mean number of days with at least moderate interference with hobbies or social activities (5.6 vs 1.1 day; p < 0.05, t-test), and relationships with others (5.4 vs 1.1 day) than those with no perceived symptoms/mild PMS. Conclusions: Moderate-to-severe PMS/PMDD has a negative impact on HR-QOL, hobbies and social activities, and relationships with others. Studies with a confirmatory design are needed to confirm these results.