29 Aug Need motivation to exercise? It nixes PMS!
Whether you find it difficult to push yourself to exercise or you’re a gym rat who loves to work up a good sweat, here’s one more good reason to be regularly active: A 2013 study reveals that doing so can reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as irritability, the blues and sensitivity to pain.
In the study, a group of sedentary women suffering from PMS who did 60 minutes of aerobic exercise three times per week (such as brisk walking, biking or swimming) saw significant improvements in their symptoms after just eight weeks.
It may be that exercise helps reduce hormone imbalances that can trigger premenstrual symptoms and/or working out triggers a higher production of brain chemicals that boost mood and mask pain.
I'm the women's health journalist who pioneered the cycle-syncing and hormone awareness movement in 2005 with my groundbreaking, award-winning book, 28 Days: What Your Cycle Reveals About Your Moods, Health & Potential. I'm also the creator of the popular Hormone Horoscope Apps and Female Forecaster App. I founded Hormonology as a way to continue sharing hormone cycle education around the globe.
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