Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome in Pakistani women.

The prevalence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) was determined in 1600 women belonging to various socioeconomic groups in Karachi. Of the total, 33% had PMS, whose prevalence was high in lower socioeconomic group living in socially deprived areas. A direct association of PMS was noted with parity, being low in low parity group. Major complaints were pain in lower abdomen, cramps and backache with majority taking no treatment for their complaints.