---
title: How common is PMDD in women and does exercise help? | Niyora
description: PMDD symptoms are very common (85% of women), with 19% having severe symptoms. Women who do not exercise regularly have worse PMDD, and higher body weight inc
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-prevalence-of-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-and-exercise-among-women-in-2022/
---

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- How common is PMDD in women and does exercise help?

Survey study, 2022

# How common is PMDD in women and does exercise help?

PMDD symptoms are very common (85% of women), with 19% having severe symptoms. Women who do not exercise regularly have worse PMDD, and higher body weight increases severity.

 Moderate study design

556 women from Hail city, Saudi Arabia

## What they did

Surveyed 556 women in Hail from October to December 2021 using questionnaires about PMDD symptoms, exercise habits, body weight, and health status.

## What they found

85% had premenstrual distress symptoms and 19% had severe symptoms. Lack of exercise was a risk factor for worse PMDD. Women aged 20-29 were most affected. Higher body mass index increased severity. Chronic diseases did not affect severity.

## What it means for you

PMDD is very common in this population and exercise and weight may be modifiable risk factors that help reduce symptoms. The study only included women from one city in Saudi Arabia, so results may not apply elsewhere.

556

women surveyed

85%

with distress symptoms

19%

with severe symptoms

## About the study

Original title The prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and exercise among women in the City of Hail Authors Halima Mohamed, Adam Journal مجلة کلیة التربیة فى العلوم النفسیة Year 2022 Study design Survey study Participants 556 What was tested None - survey study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.21608/jfeps.2022.255755](https://doi.org/10.21608/jfeps.2022.255755)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Exercise and yoga](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-exercise/)

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

Lab study, 2026

Do core stability exercises help women with PMDD?

Cohort study, 2022

What are PMS and PMDD and how should they be diagnosed and treated?

Review, 2024

Can wearable devices track mood changes in PMDD before they happen?

Cohort study, 2026

What genetic factors are linked to premenstrual symptoms?

Study, 2026

How do women with PMDD process emotions differently in their brains?

Systematic review, 2026

Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle?

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