3. Exercise Intensifies Period Cramps

Quick Overview

Myth or fact? Exercise intensifies 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.

What We Know: A Detailed Guide

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.¹

• 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.²

How Does Exercise Help?

1. Reduces inflammation: High-intensity exercise increases anti-inflammatory substances in the body, helping to ease pain.

2. Lowers prostaglandins: It can also reduce menstrual flow, leading to lower prostaglandin release (the compounds responsible for cramps).

3. 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.

The Bottom Line

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.

References

1. Armour M, Ee CC, Naidoo D, Ayati Z, Chalmers KJ, Steel KA, de Manincor MJ, Delshad E. Exercise for dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2019(9).

2. Kannan P, Chapple CM, Miller D, Claydon-Mueller L, Baxter GD. 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. Contemporary clinical trials. 2019 Jun 1;81:80-6.