Association Between Pregnancy Hope and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder among Female Workers: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey in Japan.

ABSTRACT Objectives This cross‐sectional study examined the association between pregnancy hope and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) outcomes among full‐time working women. Methods We analyzed an October 2023 survey of nulligravid women aged 20–44 years (N = 1947). PMDD diagnosis and symptom severity were assessed using a DSM‐IV‐based scale. Logistic and linear regression examined associations with pregnancy hope and tested interaction by marital status. Results PMDD prevalence was 5.4% with pregnancy hope and 4.8% without. Pregnancy hope was not associated with PMDD diagnosis (crude OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.71–1.80) and remained null after adjustment. Pregnancy hope was weakly associated with higher symptom scores (crude standardized β = 0.059, p = 0.009), persisting after adjustment. Interaction by marital status was not significant. Conclusion Among full‐time workers, pregnancy hope was unrelated to PMDD diagnosis but was weakly associated with subthreshold symptom severity. Longitudinal studies that comprehensively assess multidimensional pregnancy intention, perceptions of menstruation, and work‐related constraints are needed to clarify causal directionality and mechanisms.