---
title: Does exercise help reduce PMS symptoms? | Niyora
description: Four studies found that exercise reduced PMS symptoms, but all were small with poor quality, so we cannot be confident in the results.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/exercise-and-premenstrual-symptomatology-a-comprehensive-review-2009/
---

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- Does exercise help reduce PMS symptoms?

Review, 2009

# Does exercise help reduce PMS symptoms?

Four studies found that exercise reduced PMS symptoms, but all were small with poor quality, so we cannot be confident in the results.

 Early or limited evidence

Review of 4 intervention studies on exercise and PMS

## What they did

Systematic review of studies on exercise and PMS. Researchers searched relevant databases to find all intervention studies testing the effect of exercise on PMS symptoms.

## What they found

Four intervention studies identified. All four reported a reduction in PMS and related symptoms after participation in exercise interventions. However, all studies had small sample sizes and low methodological quality.

## What it means for you

Exercise may help PMS and is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, but better quality research is needed. The existing studies are too small and poorly designed to make firm conclusions.

4

intervention studies reviewed, all showing PMS benefit

## About the study

Original title Exercise and premenstrual symptomatology: a comprehensive review Authors Daley A Journal Journal of women's health (2002) Year 2009 Study design Review What was tested Exercise Read the paper [doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2008.1098](https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2008.1098)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Exercise and yoga](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-exercise/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

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