--- title: Does exercise help reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms? | Niyora description: Exercise may reduce PMS symptoms including pain, fatigue, mood problems, and water retention, according to several studies. However, the existing research is url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-and-exercise-a-narrative-review-2023/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does exercise help reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms? Survey study, 2023 # Does exercise help reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms? Exercise may reduce PMS symptoms including pain, fatigue, mood problems, and water retention, according to several studies. However, the existing research is limited and inconclusive about which types and amounts of exercise work best. Early or limited evidence N/A. Literature review. ## What they did Literature review examining research on PMS causes, prevalence, impact on women, and whether exercise can help reduce symptoms. ## What they found Several studies reported that regular exercise was associated with fewer physical symptoms (pain, fatigue, water retention) and psychological symptoms (mood changes). Exercise also improved overall well-being. The authors noted the evidence is limited and conclusions are inconclusive. ## What it means for you Exercise appears promising for PMS symptoms based on available studies, but we do not know the optimal type, duration, or intensity needed. This is a review of existing research, not a new study. ## About the study Original title Premenstrual Syndrome and Exercise: A Narrative Review Authors Barbara N. Sanchez, William J. Kraemer, Carl M. Maresh Journal Women Year 2023 Study design Survey study What was tested Exercise (reviewed from other studies) Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3390/women3020026](https://doi.org/10.3390/women3020026) Original abstract Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a complex physiological and psychological condition that affects a significant number of women during their reproductive years. Although the exact etiology of PMS remains unclear, its symptoms, including mood swings, bloating, irritability, and fatigue, can significantly impair the quality of life for affected individuals. The management of PMS traditionally involves pharmacological interventions; however, emerging evidence suggests that exercise may offer a valuable non-pharmacological approach to alleviate PMS symptoms. This narrative review aims to explore the proposed etiology, prevalence, and impact PMS has on women as well as examine the literature through which exercise can positively influence PMS symptoms. While the existing literature on exercise and PMS is limited and inconclusive, several studies have reported promising results. Regular exercise has been associated with a reduction in physical and psychological symptoms of PMS including pain, fatigue, mood disturbances, and water retention. Furthermore, exercise has demonstrated its potential to enhance overall well-being and mitigate the negative effects of PMS on daily functioning. Further research is warranted to elucidate the optimal exercise prescription, duration, and intensity required to maximize the benefits and improve the understanding of exercise mechanisms on PMS symptomatology. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Fatigue and energy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-fatigue/)[Bloating, breast tenderness and physical symptoms](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-physical-symptoms/)[Exercise and yoga](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-exercise/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/) 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. ## Related studies Systematic review, 2023 Can relaxation methods like yoga help with the anxiety that comes with PMS? Randomised trial, 2018 Does swimming reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms? Survey study, 2018 How common are premenstrual symptoms in female workers, and does exercise help? Randomised trial, 2026 Is Pilates exercise more effective than stretching for reducing PMS symptoms? Survey study, 2026 Can changing your diet help with period and PMS symptoms like fatigue, mood swings and bloating? Survey study, 2020 How do diet and lifestyle factors relate to PMS and PMDD in medical students? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗