Randomised trial, 2023
Does a mindfulness stress reduction program reduce PMS symptoms?
Yes, in this trial, women who completed an 8-week mindfulness program had significantly lower PMS symptom scores than women in a control group.
What they did
90 university students aged 20 to 30 with PMS (scoring at least 45 on the PMS Scale) were randomly assigned to either an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program, with weekly 2.5-hour sessions plus a 6-hour silent retreat in week 6, or to a control group. 74 women completed the study (37 in each group). PMS symptoms were measured before and after with the PMS Scale.
What they found
After the program, the mindfulness group had a lower average PMS score than the control group (96.35 vs 123.02). All the individual symptom subscales also showed significant improvement in the mindfulness group compared with controls.
What it means for you
An 8-week mindfulness program can meaningfully reduce PMS symptoms, but the study only measured results right after the program ended, so it is not known if the benefit lasts. The authors say larger, more diverse groups should be tested next.
74
Participants who completed the study
96.35
PMS score, mindfulness group
123.02
PMS score, control group
About the study
- Original title
- The Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Premenstrual Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Authors
- Şener Çetin N, Şolt Kırca A
- Journal
- Journal of midwifery & women's health
- Year
- 2023
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 90
- What was tested
- 8-week mindfulness program vs control group.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/jmwh.13530
Topics
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