---
title: Does physical activity help reduce PMS and PMDD symptoms? | Niyora
description: Yes, according to multiple systematic reviews, regular physical activity and aerobic exercise can effectively reduce both physical and psychological symptoms
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-and-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-s-impact-on-quality-of-2023/
---

- [Niyora](https://niyora.com/)
- [Research](https://niyora.com/research/)
- [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/)
- Does physical activity help reduce PMS and PMDD symptoms?

Survey study, 2023

# Does physical activity help reduce PMS and PMDD symptoms?

Yes, according to multiple systematic reviews, regular physical activity and aerobic exercise can effectively reduce both physical and psychological symptoms of PMS. However, more research is needed to determine the best type and amount of exercise for individual women.

 Early or limited evidence

Women who menstruate

## What they did

Review article that examined the prevalence of premenstrual symptoms, PMS, and PMDD and their impact on quality of life. The authors reviewed several systematic reviews on the role of physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, in managing premenstrual symptoms, along with other management approaches including diet, stress management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medications.

## What they found

Several systematic reviews showed that regular physical activity can effectively reduce both physical and psychological symptoms associated with PMS. Aerobic exercise in particular was found to be an effective non-medication option for alleviating PMS symptoms and improving overall well-being.

## What it means for you

Exercise is a helpful non-drug option for managing PMS symptoms and can reduce both physical symptoms and mood-related symptoms. The review is limited because it does not specify exactly which types of exercise are best or the optimal amount needed for individual women.

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder's Impact on Quality of Life, and the Role of Physical Activity Authors Liguori F, Saraiello E, Calella P Journal Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Year 2023 Study design Survey study What was tested Physical activity and aerobic exercise Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3390/medicina59112044](https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59112044) Original abstract

Most women who menstruate experience various physical, psychological, and behavioral changes during the period between ovulation and menstruation. This study focuses on defining and diagnosing premenstrual disorders, distinguishing between premenstrual symptoms (PS), PMS, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It highlights the prevalence of these conditions and their impact on women's quality of life, including social, occupational, and psychological aspects. Furthermore, the study examines the role of physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, in managing premenstrual symptoms. Several systematic reviews are cited, suggesting that regular physical activity can effectively reduce both physical and psychological symptoms associated with PMS. In conclusion, the management of PMS involves a multifaceted approach, with exercises, dietary modifications, stress management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medications all playing roles. Physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, has been found to be an effective non-pharmacological therapy for alleviating PMS symptoms and improving overall well-being. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal type and dosage of exercise for individual women with PMS.

Reproduced under CC-BY.

## 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/)[Cognitive behavioral therapy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-cbt/)[Exercise and yoga](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-exercise/)[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.

## Related studies

Cohort study, 2022

What are PMS and PMDD and how should they be diagnosed and treated?

Systematic review, 2026

Do mindfulness and relaxation techniques help with PMS symptoms?

Systematic review, 2025

How common are PMS, PMDD, and painful periods in nursing students, and do they affect their schooling?

Randomised trial, 2019

Does online cognitive behavioral therapy help women with PMDD?

Review, 2013

What treatments work best for PMDD?

Randomised trial, 2003

What treatments work for PMS and PMDD?

Ask AI about this page

Copy prompt

ChatGPT

↗

Claude

↗

Perplexity

↗

Google AI Mode

↗

Grok

↗