Relationship of Body Composition and PMS Symptoms: A Systematic Review

Aims: Recent studies show that body composition is one of the most important factors in the menstrual cycle. The purpose of this study is to investigate more comprehensively the effect of body composition and anthropometric indicators on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Materials and Methods: This study is a secondary study that is considered a systematic review according to the implementation method. The statistical population is all the studies that have dealt with the issue of the effect of anthropometric indicators on PMS from different aspects. Results: The final synthesis was performed on 7 articles after screening the studies. The synthesis of articles related to the relationship between anthropometric indicators on PMS showed that 47.8% of women in the world have PMS, with the highest prevalence being reported in Iran at 98%. Studies have shown that the incidence of PMS, increased appetite, and weight gain in women with a BMI greater than 25 kg/m² is more common. Weight gain causes endocrine disorders that lead secretion of more sex hormones in obese or overweight women, which in turn leads to the symptoms of PMS. Studies have shown a direct and significant relationship between PMS symptoms waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WTHR), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), which according to the results, more central fat mass in women causes more severe symptoms of this syndrome. Also, studies showed that the risk of depression and anxiety in women with PMS with a higher BMI and body fat mass is higher. Conclusion: Weight control and improvement of eating habits, can be effective in reducing the incidence of PMS symptoms. Furthermore, the high prevalence of PMS in studies requires further investigation and principled interventions with regard to physical and mental factors in this period.