AbstractThe present study aimed at studying the presence of positive emotions during the premenstruum. A positive premenstrual assessment form was constructed and administered to 48 female nursing students in the reproductive age group. Ratings were done using numerical and visual analogue scales. Forty‐six women reported experiencing at least some positive symptoms and two had none. Extremes of positive emotions were seen in 12–37 per cent of the women. The commonest emotions were a sense of well‐being in 75 per cent and feelings of excitement and relief in 62 per cent. Increased sexual desire was reported by 42 per cent. The implications of these positive perimenstrual changes are described in terms of a stress‐protective function regarding premenstrual distress and the premenstrual syndrome. It is likely that cultural factors may be involved in the stress‐protective functions of these positive ex