Age, country of birth, marital status, attitude to work, smoking and drinking habits, childbearing, sex life and psychological factors are all linked to the frequency of menstrual pain and premenstrual tension. The relationship between the psychosocial and menstrual characteristics may be causal or related to some other constitutional factor (or factors) which determines both. The profile of women suffering from premenstrual tension and menstrual pain is described. In management, associated psychosocial factors and the relationship betweem these and the described menstrual problems needs to be taken into account.