3. Exercise worsens period cramps

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3. Exercise worsens period cramps

Exercise Reduces Period Cramps Exercise worsens period cramps is a myth
Research: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) by Armour, M., et al. found that high-intensity exercise significantly reduced menstrual pain compared to no or low-intensity activity. Another RCT by Kannan, P., et al. (2019) showed that after 7 months of regular treadmill-based aerobic exercise, women with period pain experienced significantly decreased pain intensity, with sustained improvements in daily functioning and quality of life.
Doc’s Opinion: Exercise increases blood circulation and releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers. Studies show that physical activity can significantly decrease menstrual pain and improve mood.
Link to details & sources:

Long- form answer:

Myth: Exercise Worsens Period Cramps

Reality: Research shows that exercise can actually help reduce period pain, not worsen it.

What the Studies Say:

High-intensity workouts provide better relief from menstrual pain compared to no exercise or low-intensity workouts.

Reference: Armour, M.,et al.Exercise for dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019.

A study found that after 7 months of regular exercise, pain intensity significantly decreased, with lasting benefits for pain relief, quality of life, and daily functioning.

Reference: Kannan, P., et al. Effectiveness of a treadmill-based aerobic exercise intervention on pain, daily functioning, and quality of life in women with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial. 2019

How Does Exercise Help?

Reduces Inflammation: High-intensity exercise increases anti-inflammatory substances in the body, helping to ease pain.
Lowers Prostaglandins: It can also reduce menstrual flow, leading to lower prostaglandin release (the compounds responsible for cramps).
Manages Stress Hormones: Gentle exercises like yoga help lower cortisol, which in turn reduces prostaglandin production.

Doctor's opinion: Exercise increases blood circulation and releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers. Studies show that physical activity can significantly decrease menstrual pain and improve mood.

Key Takeaway: While the overall evidence quality is low, research clearly shows that exercise does not worsen period pain—and in many cases, it can help relieve it.

Previous2. Coffee worsens period cramps Next4. Periods Sync

Last updated 10 days ago

Was this helpful?

Exercise Reduces Period Cramps Exercise worsens period cramps is a myth
Research: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) by Armour, M., et al. found that high-intensity exercise significantly reduced menstrual pain compared to no or low-intensity activity. Another RCT by Kannan, P., et al. (2019) showed that after 7 months of regular treadmill-based aerobic exercise, women with period pain experienced significantly decreased pain intensity, with sustained improvements in daily functioning and quality of life.
Doc’s Opinion: Exercise increases blood circulation and releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers. Studies show that physical activity can significantly decrease menstrual pain and improve mood.
Link to details & sources:

Long- form answer:

Myth: Exercise Worsens Period Cramps

Reality: Research shows that exercise can actually help reduce period pain, not worsen it.

What the Studies Say:

High-intensity workouts provide better relief from menstrual pain compared to no exercise or low-intensity workouts.

Reference: Armour, M.,et al.Exercise for dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019.

A study found that after 7 months of regular exercise, pain intensity significantly decreased, with lasting benefits for pain relief, quality of life, and daily functioning.

How Does Exercise Help?

Reduces Inflammation: High-intensity exercise increases anti-inflammatory substances in the body, helping to ease pain.
Lowers Prostaglandins: It can also reduce menstrual flow, leading to lower prostaglandin release (the compounds responsible for cramps).
Manages Stress Hormones: Gentle exercises like yoga help lower cortisol, which in turn reduces prostaglandin production.

Key Takeaway: While the overall evidence quality is low, research clearly shows that exercise does not worsen period pain—and in many cases, it can help relieve it.