---
title: Does exercise reduce menstrual symptoms and sleep problems? | Niyora
description: Yes. Women who exercised for 12 weeks had significantly fewer menstrual symptoms and better sleep than those who did not exercise.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-effect-of-exercise-on-menstrual-symptoms-a-randomized-controlled-trial-2025/
---

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- Does exercise reduce menstrual symptoms and sleep problems?

Randomised trial, 2025

# Does exercise reduce menstrual symptoms and sleep problems?

Yes. Women who exercised for 12 weeks had significantly fewer menstrual symptoms and better sleep than those who did not exercise.

 Strong study design

54 women aged 18 to 45 with menstrual symptoms

## What they did

54 women aged 18 to 45 were randomly assigned to exercise or control groups. The exercise group did strengthening, flexibility, balance, and aerobic exercise at least three days per week for 12 weeks (three cycles). Both groups completed questionnaires about symptoms, sleep, fatigue, and activity before and after.

## What they found

The exercise group had significant improvements: menstrual symptom scores fell (p=0.001), menstrual distress fell (p=0.023), sleep quality improved (p=0.001), and physical activity increased (p=0.001). The control group had no meaningful changes.

## What it means for you

Exercise can help reduce menstrual symptoms and improve sleep, and it works without medication. The study was small (54 women) and only lasted 12 weeks, so it is not clear how long the benefits last.

54

women in the study

12 weeks

study duration

3 days per week

minimum exercise frequency

## About the study

Original title The effect of exercise on menstrual symptoms: a randomized controlled trial Authors Koçak M, Şevgin Ö Journal BMC women's health Year 2025 Study design Randomised trial Participants 54 What was tested Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and walking at least three days per week, plus strengthening, flexibility, and balance exercises Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1186/s12905-025-03940-8](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-025-03940-8)

## Topics

[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Sleep and insomnia](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-sleep/)[Fatigue and energy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-fatigue/)[Exercise and yoga](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-exercise/)

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