In one trial, researchers at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver had eight previously sedentary women work up to running 12 miles per week over six months. At the end of the study, the runners reported less breast tenderness, bloating, and moodiness before their periods. Six normally active women who did not increase their level of exercise felt no changes in their usual premenstrual symptoms. Another study found that women who exercised regularly felt less pain and depression before their periods than nonexercisers. Unfortunately, no studies have looked at how exercise might help women with severe premenstrual syndrome, a clinical disorder in which women find themselves plagued each month by pain, headache, cramps, depression, and fatigue, among other symptoms.
Exercise is a great stress-buster.
It also boosts your metabolism and improves your circulation. When you get your blood moving, it carries oxygen and nutrients to the cells more efficiently, so you feel less sluggish. Aerobic activity can also produce brain chemicals known as endorphins that boost your mood and give you a sense of control and well-being, which could help ease the anxiety, depression, and mood swings you may experience each month. Some researchers even think endorphins in the bloodstream can stabilize your blood sugar and cut your cravings for sweets. Moderate aerobic activities like walking, jogging, biking, and swimming for about 30 minutes five times a week may be your best bet.