---
title: Does guided imagery reduce PMS symptoms and lengthen periods?
description: Guided imagery significantly reduced PMS distress and increased menstrual cycle length in women who completed the full program. However, this is preliminary e
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/menstrual-cycle-lengthening-and-reduction-in-premenstrual-distress-through-1993/
---

- [Niyora](https://niyora.com/)
- [Research](https://niyora.com/research/)
- [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/)
- Does guided imagery reduce PMS symptoms and lengthen periods?

Survey study, 1993

# Does guided imagery reduce PMS symptoms and lengthen periods?

Guided imagery significantly reduced PMS distress and increased menstrual cycle length in women who completed the full program. However, this is preliminary evidence from a small group, and larger studies with control groups are needed.

 Early or limited evidence

30 healthy college women with regular cycles (15 completed)

## What they did

Thirty healthy college women with regular menstrual cycles were followed for 6 months. They completed a questionnaire about menstrual distress at the beginning and end, and recorded their cycles for 3 months. Then they listened to an audiotape with relaxation and guided imagery designed to lengthen the cycle and delay bleeding. Fifteen women completed the entire study.

## What they found

The 15 women who completed the study had significant increases in menstrual cycle length during the 3 months of guided imagery. Their total premenstrual distress scores significantly decreased, as did subscores measuring behavior and negative affect.

## What it means for you

Guided imagery and relaxation may help reduce PMS symptoms and lengthen cycles. However, only half the women completed the study, the sample is small, and there was no control group. These findings are preliminary and may not apply to all women.

30

women enrolled

15

completed the full study

6 months

total study duration

## About the study

Original title Menstrual-cycle lengthening and reduction in premenstrual distress through guided imagery Authors Groër M, Ohnesorge C Journal Journal of holistic nursing : official journal of the American Holistic Nurses' Association Year 1993 Study design Survey study Participants 15 What was tested Audiotape with relaxation and guided imagery focusing on lengthening the menstrual cycle Read the paper [doi.org/10.1177/089801019301100308](https://doi.org/10.1177/089801019301100308)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

Ask AI about this page

Copy prompt

ChatGPT

↗

Claude

↗

Perplexity

↗

Google AI Mode

↗

Grok

↗