Randomised trial, 2015
Does aerobic exercise reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms in young women?
Yes. Three months of aerobic exercise combined with vitamin B6 and calcium supplements significantly reduced all PMS symptoms.
What they did
A randomized trial with 30 women aged 16-20 years with PMS. The control group received vitamin B6 and calcium supplements daily. The study group received the same supplements plus treadmill training 3 times per week for 3 months. Researchers measured symptoms, blood counts, and hormone levels before and after.
What they found
The exercise group showed significant decreases in all PMS symptoms. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, red cell count and platelet count increased significantly. Prolactin, estradiol and progesterone levels decreased significantly.
What it means for you
Exercise may help PMS. However, the sample was very small and included only young women aged 16-20, so results may not apply to all ages.
30
women in study
16-20
age range in years
3 months
duration of exercise program
About the study
- Original title
- Effect of aerobic exercise on premenstrual symptoms, haematological and hormonal parameters in young women
- Authors
- El-Lithy A, El-Mazny A, Sabbour A et al.
- Journal
- Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Year
- 2015
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 30
- What was tested
- Treadmill training 3 times per week for 3 months, plus vitamin B6 and calcium supplements daily
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3109/01443615.2014.960823
Topics
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