Systematic review, 2020
Does exercise help with PMS symptoms?
Yes. Exercise reduces both physical symptoms like pain, constipation, and breast tenderness, and psychological symptoms like anxiety and anger.
What they did
They searched 3 international databases from inception to April 30, 2018 for studies on exercise and premenstrual symptoms. They examined 361 studies and selected 17 that met inclusion criteria.
What they found
Exercise was effective in improving physical symptoms such as pain, constipation, and breast sensitivity. It also improved psychological symptoms such as anxiety and anger. Although there is no clarity on all symptoms, exercise has a symptom-reducing effect.
What it means for you
Women with PMS can benefit from exercise. The main limitation is that the review did not specify which types of exercise are best or how much is needed.
361
studies initially examined
17
studies included in final review
April 30, 2018
search end date
About the study
- Original title
- Effect of exercise on premenstrual symptoms: A systematic review
- Authors
- Yesildere Saglam H, Orsal O
- Journal
- Complementary therapies in medicine
- Year
- 2020
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- Exercise (various types, not specified)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102272
Topics
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