Non-randomised trial, 1990
Do lifestyle changes like exercise and eating better help PMS symptoms?
Yes, women who made lifestyle changes had a significant decrease in PMS symptoms, but without a comparison group, we cannot be certain the improvements were due to the lifestyle changes.
What they did
A quasi-experimental study using a pre-test and post-test design. Women were taught self-care measures for PMS, focusing on lifestyle changes including better nutrition and exercise. Symptoms were measured before and after the intervention.
What they found
Women who increased their self-care measures showed a significant decrease in PMS symptoms. The study notes that over 90 percent of women experience one or more PMS symptoms, and that PMS causes disruptions at work and in family relationships.
What it means for you
Making lifestyle changes such as eating better and exercising more may help reduce PMS symptoms. However, without a comparison group, improvements could be due to other factors like increased attention to health or the passage of time, rather than the lifestyle changes themselves. The study did not provide specific nutrition or exercise guidelines.
90
Percentage of women affected by one or more PMS symptoms
About the study
- Original title
- Efficacy of self-care measures for perimenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Authors
- Kirkpatrick MK, Brewer JA, Stocks B
- Journal
- Journal of advanced nursing
- Year
- 1990
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- What was tested
- Lifestyle modifications, particularly nutrition and exercise.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.1990.tb01814.x
Topics
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