--- title: Does exercise help reduce PMS symptoms? | Niyora description: Yes, exercise appears to reduce PMS symptoms including psychological, physical, and behavioral symptoms. However, most studies were poorly designed, so we can url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/exercise-for-premenstrual-syndrome-a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis-of-2020/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does exercise help reduce PMS symptoms? Systematic review, 2020 # Does exercise help reduce PMS symptoms? Yes, exercise appears to reduce PMS symptoms including psychological, physical, and behavioral symptoms. However, most studies were poorly designed, so we cannot be completely certain. Strong study design 717 women with PMS across 15 randomized trials ## What they did Reviewed 15 randomized trials that compared women doing exercise for at least 8 weeks with women who did not exercise. Trials came from searches through April 2019 across 8 major databases. Total of 717 women with PMS. ## What they found Seven trials with 265 women showed exercise reduced overall PMS scores (SMD = -1.08). Psychological symptoms showed more improvement (SMD = -1.67), physical symptoms improved (SMD = -1.62), and behavioral symptoms improved most (SMD = -1.94). However, 87% of trials were high risk of bias. ## What it means for you Exercise probably helps PMS symptoms based on the research findings. But since most studies were poorly designed, we need better research to be sure how much it helps. 15 randomized trials included 717 women studied 87% of trials at high risk of bias ## About the study Original title Exercise for premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials Authors Pearce E, Jolly K, Jones LL et al. Journal BJGP open Year 2020 Study design Systematic review What was tested Exercise for at least 8 weeks compared to no exercise Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3399/bjgpopen20x101032](https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgpopen20x101032) Original abstract Background: Exercise is recommended as a treatment for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in clinical guidelines, but this is currently based on poor-quality trial evidence. Aim: To systematically review the evidence for the effectiveness of exercise as a treatment for PMS. Design & setting: This systematic review searched eight major databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and two trial registries from inception until April 2019. Method: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing exercise interventions of a minimum of 8-weeks duration with non-exercise comparator groups in women with PMS were included. Mean change scores for any continuous PMS outcome measure were extracted from eligible trials and standardised mean differences (SMDs) were calculated where possible. Random-effects meta-analysis of the effect of exercise on global PMS symptoms was the primary outcome. Secondary analyses examined the effects of exercise on predetermined clusters of psychological, physical, and behavioural symptoms. Results: A total of 436 non-duplicate returns were screened, with 15 RCTs eligible for inclusion ( n = 717). Seven trials contributed data to the primary outcome meta-analysis ( n = 265); participants randomised to an exercise intervention reported reduced global PMS symptom scores (SMD = -1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.88 to -0.29) versus comparator, but with substantial heterogeneity ( I 2 = 87%). Secondary results for psychological (SMD = -1.67; 95% CI = -2.38 to -0.96), physical (SMD = -1.62; 95% CI = -2.41 to -0.83) and behavioural (SMD = -1.94; 95% CI = -2.45 to -1.44) symptom groupings displayed similar findings. Most trials (87%) were considered at high risk of bias. Conclusion: Based on current evidence, exercise may be an effective treatment for PMS, but some uncertainty remains. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## 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. ## Related studies Cohort study, 2026 Do sleep, exercise, and diet quality affect period pain, heavy bleeding, and PMS in midlife? Randomised trial, 2026 Does yoga or Pilates help reduce PMS symptoms? Randomised trial, 2026 Does aerobic or resistance exercise reduce anxiety in women with PMS? Systematic review, 2026 Do mindfulness and relaxation techniques help with PMS symptoms? Randomised trial, 2026 Does yoga reduce PMS symptoms? Randomised trial, 2025 Does caloric restriction and aerobic exercise improve PMS symptoms in obese women? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗