As each academic year draws to a close, it is always rewarding to see the impact of student research come to life. This year, one interesting project explored the relationship between dietary and lifestyle factors and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Often whispered about in hostel corridors, joked about in group chats or silently endured, PMS is far more than a monthly inconvenience for many young women.

For those balancing the pressures of university life, it can significantly affect well-being, academic performance and social interactions. One of the undergraduate dissertations I supervised investigated the associations between dietary and lifestyle factors and PMS symptoms among female students. The findings are both eye-opening and timely.

What we did

The study was conducted among 112 female university students to explore how diet and lifestyle influence PMS symptoms. We gathered information on socio-demographic details, reproductive health history, PMS experiences, eating patterns, physical activity, stress levels, and body measurements. The data was then analysed to identify associations between dietary and lifestyle factors and the severity of PMS symptoms.

What we found

Out of 112 female students surveyed, majority (70.5%) reported experiencing mild to moderate PMS symptoms, with cramps topping the list of physical complaints, and cravings or appetite changes leading the emotional symptoms.

Interestingly, first-year students were significantly more likely to report severe PMS symptoms compared to their senior counterparts. This is perhaps a reflection of the stress and adjustment challenges that come with transitioning into university life.

Other highlights of the findings of the study are as follows;

• Eating fruits even once a week showed a protective effect—though the overall fruit intake among students was worryingly low.
• Higher levels of exercise were linked to reduced PMS severity.
• Students who reported “normal” or “mild” stress levels were more likely to experience intense PMS symptoms.

Why This Matters

This study is a call to action for universities, health professionals, and policymakers. If we want our young women to thrive academically and socially, we must prioritise their menstrual health.

That means:

• Promoting fruit and vegetable consumption on campus.
• Encouraging regular physical activity through accessible fitness programs.
• Providing stress management resources and mental health support.
• Ensuring that dietitians and counsellors are available to guide students through these challenges.

A Word of Thanks

This research was made possible through the dedication and curiosity of Rhoda E. Akoto-Danso (Class of 2025, BSc Dietetics programme), whose commitment to understanding the lived experiences of her peers has added a valuable voice to the conversation on women’s health in Ghana.

Written by Dr. Laurene Boateng (PhD, RD)
Dr. Laurene Boateng is a Registered Dietitian and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Dietetics, University of Ghana. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of Full Proof Nutrition, a Nutrition Consultancy committed to providing reliable, evidence-based, and practical healthy eating advice through its website www.fullproofnutrition.com.  Click here to join Full Proof Nutrition WhatsApp channel to receive more educative content. Send us a mail on fullproofnutrition@gmail.com