The relationship between high physical activity and premenstrual syndrome in Japanese female college students

Abstract

Background In recent years, moderate physical activity has attracted the attention of experts and women as a way to cope with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Studies investigated the effects of exercise on PMS, but only a few reports focused on the relationship between physical activity, which included not only exercise but also routine bodily movements, and PMS. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between the amount of physical activity and PMS symptoms among sexually mature female students. Methods A total of 381 female university students in Japan were surveyed using a paper or web-based questionnaire with the same content. The questionnaire consisted of basic information, PMS symptoms, and physical activity based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Participants were divided into two groups (≥ 3000 The Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET)-minutes/week and < 3000 MET-minutes/week) based on their total physical activity as calculated using the IPAQ guidelines. The two groups were then compared in terms of the severity of their PMS physical and psychological symptoms as calculated based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ PMS diagnostic criteria. The Wilcoxon's rank-sum test was used for statistical analyses. We then divided the participants based on the presence or absence of each symptom and used the chi-square test to compare the intergroup differences in ratios. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results Those with total physical activity of ≥ 3000 MET-minutes/week had lower total PMS symptom scores (p < 0.01), physical symptom scores (p = 0.01), and psychological symptom scores (p = 0.01) compared with those with total physical activity of < 3000 MET-minutes/week. Conclusion These results suggest that young women with high physical activity (≥ 3000 MET-minutes/week) have milder symptoms of PMS.

Feasibility Study on Menstrual Cycles With Fitbit Device (FEMFIT): Prospective Observational Cohort Study

“…This finding may suggest that individuals with more severe PMS symptoms may exercise less due to the impact of the symptoms on their physical activity. Alternatively, this finding may be consistent with the existing literature, where increased physical activity has been found to reduce PMS symptoms [ 57 - 62 ]. In attempting to fill the research gap regarding sleep patterns across the menstrual cycle, we did not make any notable discoveries when comparing sleep duration between different phases of the menstrual cycle, across PMS severity, or when comparing individuals using hormonal contraception with those who did not.…”

Associations with physical activity, sedentary behavior, and premenstrual syndrome among Chinese female college students

“…In addition to the intensity of PA, we also examined participant energy consumption and found that Kcals were linked with PMS. Kawabe et al suggested that a total PA of ≥ 3000 metabolic equivalent minutes/week was associated with milder PMS symptoms irrespective of PA intensity [ 51 ].…”

Perception of benefits‐barriers of exercise, physical activity level, and body awareness in women with premenstrual syndrome

“…PMS can lead to significant distress and a decline in functional capacity. [1][2][3][4][5] Previous studies have indicated a relatively high frequency of PMS. Worldwide, it has been reported that approximately 47.8% of reproductive-age women are affected by PMS, with 5%-8% experiencing moderate to severe symptoms that are related to functional impairment.…”

“…Common manifestations of PMS include alterations in appetite, irritability, depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, headaches, weight gain, constipation, fatigue, abdominal and lower back pain, breast swelling and tenderness, as well as mood swings. PMS can lead to significant distress and a decline in functional capacity 1–5 …”

“…However, previous studies have presented conflicting evidence regarding the association between exercise and PMS. While several research studies have reported that regular exercise can relieve premenstrual symptoms, 1,3,5 other studies have found no significant relationship between physical activity and the prevalence or severity of PMS symptoms 11 . Notably, Czajkowska et al reported that competitive sports may actually contribute to PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder 12 …”