---
title: Does more physical activity reduce PMS symptoms? | Niyora
description: Yes, women who are more physically active have significantly fewer PMS symptoms. The relationship is very clear and statistically significant (p<0.001).
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/relationship-between-the-level-of-physical-activity-and-premenstrual-syndrome-2013/
---

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- Does more physical activity reduce PMS symptoms?

Survey study, 2013

# Does more physical activity reduce PMS symptoms?

Yes, women who are more physically active have significantly fewer PMS symptoms. The relationship is very clear and statistically significant (p<0.001).

 Moderate study design

71 university students, average age 24.4 years

## What they did

Researchers measured physical activity levels with a questionnaire in 71 university students and asked them to track PMS symptoms daily in a diary for two complete menstrual cycles.

## What they found

Physical activity was significantly correlated with lower PMS symptoms (r=-0.506, p<0.001). Women with PMS diagnosis had lower activity scores (6.63) compared to healthy women (7.96, p<0.001).

## What it means for you

More physical activity is linked with fewer PMS symptoms. However, the study was cross-sectional and only observed at one time, so we cannot prove activity prevents PMS. It could also be that women with PMS avoid activity because they feel worse.

71

University students studied

r=-0.506

Correlation of activity with PMS score (p<0.001)

6.63 vs 7.96

Activity score in PMS vs healthy group

## About the study

Original title [Relationship between the level of physical activity and premenstrual syndrome incidence] Authors Teixeira AL, Oliveira ÉC, Dias MR Journal Revista brasileira de ginecologia e obstetricia : revista da Federacao Brasileira das Sociedades de Ginecologia e Obstetricia Year 2013 Study design Survey study Participants 40 What was tested None; observational comparison of activity levels Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1590/s0100-72032013000500004](https://doi.org/10.1590/s0100-72032013000500004)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Exercise and yoga](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-exercise/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/)

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.

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