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Review, 1987

Does exercise help reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms?

Preliminary evidence suggests that exercise training can reduce mild PMS symptoms in sedentary women and athletes. However, existing studies were not well-designed, so more controlled research is needed.

Early or limited evidence Sedentary women and women athletes

What they did

This was a review of studies examining the link between exercise and PMS symptoms.

What they found

Exercise training in sedentary women and intensified training in athletes decreased mild premenstrual symptoms. Improvements occurred before any changes in menstrual cycle length.

What it means for you

Exercise may help with mild PMS, but the evidence is still preliminary. A major limitation is that most studies did not clearly diagnose PMS or carefully control the exercise.

About the study

Original title
Conditioning exercise and premenstrual symptoms
Authors
Prior JC, Vigna Y
Journal
The Journal of reproductive medicine
Year
1987
Study design
Review
What was tested
Exercise training

Topics