Objective: To describe the perspectives and attitudes of Brazilian women toward premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Methods: An exploratory study was conducted in 6 major cities: 1 in each geographic region of Brazil and I in the Federal District Participants were women aged 18-40 years who consulted at public healthcare services or who were members of staff/faculty at university. Results: Of 1053 women, 96.1% had heard of PMS; 65.4% considered that all or almost all women experienced the condition; 87.5% stated that symptoms occurred prior to menstruation; and 60.3% thought that they had PMS at the time of the interview. The emotional and physical symptoms most frequently mentioned were nervousness/anxiety (76.4%); mood swings/crying (55.7%); pain, swelling, and tenderness of the breasts (37.3%); and cramps (45.4%). Conclusion: Premenstrual syndrome was reported by a large number of Brazilian women: actions need to be taken to provide more effectively the specific information required by both lay people and healthcare professionals. (C) 2009 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.10814043Bayer Schering Pharma, Brazil