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Survey study, 2016

Is there a link between physical activity level and PMS?

Yes. Both too little and too much physical activity are linked with more PMS than moderate activity. Cause and effect cannot be determined from this observational study.

Early or limited evidence 349 women aged 18 to 50

What they did

Cross-sectional study of 349 women aged 18 to 50. Researchers measured daily physical activity, PMS symptoms, body weight, sleep, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. Women were grouped into low, normal, or high activity categories.

What they found

Low activity group averaged 301.4 calories burned daily, normal group 975.0 calories, high group 4558.7 calories. PMS was more common in both the low and high activity groups compared to the normal activity group.

What it means for you

Women should aim for moderate physical activity. Both inactivity and excessive activity are linked with more PMS. Since this is observational, we cannot prove activity level causes PMS, only that they are associated.

301.4

Daily calories burned, low activity

975.0

Daily calories burned, normal activity

4558.7

Daily calories burned, high activity

About the study

Original title
Association between Premenstrual Syndrome and Daily Physical Activity Levels
Authors
Saori Morino, Miho Egawa, Hinako Hirata et al.
Journal
Journal of Womens Health Issues and Care
Year
2016
Study design
Survey study
What was tested
None

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