---
title: Does physical activity help manage PMS and PMDD symptoms? | Niyora
description: Yes, aerobic exercise at moderate intensity reduces both physical and psychological symptoms of PMS and PMDD. Evidence comes from reviews of other studies, an
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-and-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-a-narrative-review-of-2026/
---

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- Does physical activity help manage PMS and PMDD symptoms?

Randomised trial, 2026

# Does physical activity help manage PMS and PMDD symptoms?

Yes, aerobic exercise at moderate intensity reduces both physical and psychological symptoms of PMS and PMDD. Evidence comes from reviews of other studies, and more research is needed.

 Moderate study design

Review of evidence on women with premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder

## What they did

A narrative review summarized evidence from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses on physical activity and exercise for PMS and PMDD.

## What they found

Aerobic exercise at moderate intensity reduces physical and psychological symptoms. Pilates and kinesio taping also help. Strength training performance varies by menstrual cycle phase, with best performance during the late follicular phase.

## What it means for you

Exercise is practical and sustainable for managing PMS but should not replace proper medical diagnosis and treatment. More research with standardized measures is needed to develop personalized exercise recommendations for individual women.

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Narrative Review of Recent Evidence on Physical Activity as an Adjunctive Management Strategy Authors Wioleta Pluta, Roksana Milaniuk, Aleksandra Drzewiecka et al. Journal Quality in Sport Year 2026 Study design Randomised trial What was tested Physical activity and structured exercise Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.12775/qs.2026.74.74612](https://doi.org/10.12775/qs.2026.74.74612)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Exercise and yoga](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-exercise/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)

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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