Case-control study, 2017

Does being physically active instead of sedentary reduce PMS symptoms?

Active women reported PMS less often than sedentary women (63.3% vs 86.7%), but this difference was not statistically significant, so it is not proof that exercise prevents PMS.

Early or limited evidence 60 women aged 18 to 35, some physically active (from fitness centers) and some sedentary (from a nutrition clinic)

What they did

A case-control study compared 60 women aged 18 to 35, active (from two fitness centers) or sedentary (from a nutrition clinic). Each was assessed four times, in the follicular and luteal phases over two months, using PMS and diet questionnaires, body measurements, and bioimpedance.

What they found

PMS occurred in 63.3% of active women versus 86.7% of sedentary women (p=0.074, not significant). The sedentary group ate more carbohydrates before vs after menstruation (281.9 vs 252.1 grams, p=0.001) and more fat (74.4 vs 63.2 grams, p=0.001). The sedentary group had higher calorie intake premenstrually (43.3%) than postmenstrually (23.3%), p=0.007. The active group showed low calorie intake in 53.3% premenstrually vs 33.3% postmenstrually, p=0.039. Overall the sedentary group showed more frequent PMS and more calorie, carbohydrate, lipid and sodium intake.

What it means for you

Sedentary women seemed to eat more and report more PMS than active women, but the key PMS comparison was not statistically significant, and the study is small (60 women) and observational, so it cannot prove exercise causes less PMS, only that diet and activity patterns differed between groups.

63.3%

PMS rate, active group

86.7%

PMS rate, sedentary group

60 women

Sample size

About the study

Original title: Assessment of the Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome in Physically Active and Sedentary Adult Women
Authors: Luisa Muller Arruda, Luana Selaimen Martins, ThaÃs Rodrigues Moreira
Journal: Journal of Nutritional Therapeutics
Year: 2017
Study design: Case-control study
Participants: 60
What was tested: Comparison of physically active versus sedentary lifestyle (no treatment given)
Open access: Yes
Read the paper: doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2016.05.04.2

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