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Survey study, 2018

Do physical activity and soy consumption help reduce PMS symptoms in teenage girls?

Yes, the study found significant associations between higher soy consumption and regular physical activity with lower PMS symptoms. Because this is a cross-sectional study, we cannot be certain that activity and soy cause the improvement.

Early or limited evidence 59 girls aged 14-17 in Surabaya, Indonesia with PMS

What they did

Cross-sectional study of 59 girls aged 14-17 in Surabaya, Indonesia using systematic random sampling. Researchers measured physical activity levels, soy consumption, and PMS symptoms.

What they found

88.1% had light physical activity levels. 10.2% walked or biked more than 7 times in the past 7 days. Soy consumption was moderate at 17.22-28.38 portions per month, mainly tofu (69.5%) and tempeh (66.1%) at 75g portions. 71.2% had low physical PMS symptoms. Most common symptoms were fatigue (25.4%) and painful or tender breast (35.6%). Physical activity was significantly related to PMS (p=0.011) and soy consumption was significantly related to PMS (p=0.000).

What it means for you

Higher soy consumption and regular physical activity may help reduce PMS symptoms in teenage girls. Main limits are the small sample size, cross-sectional design preventing proof of cause and effect, and that this is one Indonesian school only.

59

girls studied

88.1%

with light physical activity

71.2%

with low PMS physical symptoms

About the study

Original title
AKTIVITAS FISIK DAN KONSUMSI KEDELAI PADA REMAJA PUTRI YANG MENGALAMI PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME DI SMKN 10 SURABAYA
Authors
Eva Flourentina Kusumawardani, Annis Catur Adi
Journal
Media Gizi Indonesia
Year
2018
Study design
Survey study
Participants
59
What was tested
Comparison of physical activity levels and soy consumption (observational, not a treatment trial)
Open access
Yes

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