Randomised trial, 2025
Does exercise reduce menstrual symptoms and sleep problems?
Yes. Women who exercised for 12 weeks had significantly fewer menstrual symptoms and better sleep than those who did not exercise.
What they did
54 women aged 18 to 45 were randomly assigned to exercise or control groups. The exercise group did strengthening, flexibility, balance, and aerobic exercise at least three days per week for 12 weeks (three cycles). Both groups completed questionnaires about symptoms, sleep, fatigue, and activity before and after.
What they found
The exercise group had significant improvements: menstrual symptom scores fell (p=0.001), menstrual distress fell (p=0.023), sleep quality improved (p=0.001), and physical activity increased (p=0.001). The control group had no meaningful changes.
What it means for you
Exercise can help reduce menstrual symptoms and improve sleep, and it works without medication. The study was small (54 women) and only lasted 12 weeks, so it is not clear how long the benefits last.
54
women in the study
12 weeks
study duration
3 days per week
minimum exercise frequency
About the study
- Original title
- The effect of exercise on menstrual symptoms: a randomized controlled trial
- Authors
- Koçak M, Şevgin Ö
- Journal
- BMC women's health
- Year
- 2025
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 54
- What was tested
- Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and walking at least three days per week, plus strengthening, flexibility, and balance exercises
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1186/s12905-025-03940-8
Topics
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