The Association Between Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Premenstrual Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a widespread condition that significantly impacts women’s quality of life. While dietary factors have been proposed to influence PMS symptoms, there is limited evidence on the effects of following a Mediterranean diet. This study explored how adhering to a Mediterranean diet affects premenstrual syndrome in female university students pursuing nursing degrees. Material and Methods: A total of 682 female students were divided into two groups based on their premenstrual syndrome status (n = 382 with PMS, n = 300 without PMS), according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' diagnostic criteria and scores from the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale. The scale was also used to assess the severity of premenstrual symptoms. A 24-hour dietary recall was conducted, and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS) was used to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Results: Students with PMS had significantly lower Mediterranean Diet Adherence scores than those without PMS (p<0.001). As adherence to the Mediterranean diet increased, PMS scores decreased (p<0.001). Each one-point increase in MEDAS score was associated with a 10.9% higher likelihood of not having PMS (p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that following a Mediterranean diet, a recognized cultural heritage, may help reduce PMS symptoms among students. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and apply them in clinical practice.
Authors: Kadriye Toprak, Aliye Kuyumcu
Institutions: Ankara Medipol Üniversitesi, Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi
Language: Turkish
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204132938