Treating PMS with Exercise

Why do women call it PMS?

Because mad cow disease was already taken.

If you are like me and many of other women, the days leading up to your period may leave you believing the dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans. Or maybe everyone around you is suffering from a major attitude problem.  Or your husband’s head seems like an open invitation to batting practice. 

The symptoms of PMS are epic.  The typical mood swings, irritability, depression, cravings, and bloating are not only the subject of many a girls’ night out, but also fodder for stand up comedians everywhere.

Ladies, there’s help for your PMS symptoms and it doesn’t come from a bottle or cause physical injury  to your loved ones.  It’s exercise.

It’s probable that PMS leaves you wanting to curl up in the fetal position and gorge yourself on chocolate bars.  The gym may be the last place on Earth you want to visit, but exercise may be just the thing to help you break free from the clutches of normal, non-clinical PMS.

Preliminary studies have found that regular exercise eases much of the pain and stress most women feel in the week or so leading up to the start of the period.  Researchers at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver in one trial, had sedentary women begin a regular running practice.  At the end of six months, the runners reported less breast tenderness, bloating, and moodiness than the control group (which remained sedentary).  Another study found that women who regularly exercised felt less pain and depression before the periods than women who did not exercise.

How does is work?  Exercise is a great stress reducer whether you are PMSing or not.  Regular exercise improves circulation, causing blood to carry oxygen and nutrients to the body’s celss more efficiently.  This increases energy levels, helping to prevent that sluggish grumpy feeling many women experience during bouts of PMS.

Also, aerobic exercise produces endorphins, a chemical that boosts mood, gives a sense of control and well-being, which could help to ease anxiety, depression, and mood swings.  Some researchers also believe endorphins can stabilize blood sugar levels and cut the monthly cravings for sweets. 

What kind of exercise is best for battling PMS?  Aerobic exercise such as jogging, biking, dancing, and swimming for about 30 minutes 5 times a week seem to work best for controlling PMS. One three-month study of 23 women found that those who participated in an aerobic exercise program saw more improvement in their premenstrual symptoms, particularly depression, than those who did strength training.  Yoga can also be a helpful form of exercise for PMS.  Yoga’s gentle stretching, calming breathing techniques, body awareness, and meditation help ease muscle tension and decrease moodiness.

So drop that chocolate bar, ease up on your husband, and get some exercise.  Your body and your family will thank you for it.