Menstrual Symptoms Affect a Vast Majority of Women

It's no secret that many women face discomfort during their menstrual cycles. A staggering 70% to 90% of menstruating women experience symptoms that can profoundly disrupt their daily lives, resulting in an estimated economic loss of 683 billion yen due to decreased productivity.

The Role of Exercise in Managing Symptoms

While exercise has been touted as a potential remedy for alleviating menstrual-related symptoms, the reality is more complex. Recent research reveals significant differences in symptom experiences between women who exercise and those who do not. To get to the bottom of this, a study was conducted, analyzing various factors associated with menstrual symptoms among both active and non-active women.

Who Took Part in the Study?

Healthy Japanese women aged 18 to 29 participated in a comprehensive web-based survey that assessed their physical and menstrual health, lifestyle habits, and associated symptoms. Participants were categorized into two groups: those with no exercise habits and female soccer players.

Assessing Symptoms and Lifestyle Choices

Regular exercise was defined as engaging in physical activity for over 30 minutes at least twice a week. The study specifically examined 16 different symptoms, including abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, and anxiety, among others, to gauge their frequency and severity as experienced during the last two menstrual cycles.

Eye-Opening Findings: Who Suffers More?

The study included 99 non-exercising women and 125 female soccer players. Surprisingly, 41.4% of the non-active group and 39.2% of athletes reported at least one severe symptom before menstruation, with similar rates reported during menstruation. Certain symptoms, such as irritability and fatigue, consistently plagued those without exercise habits, while athletes reported a different set of challenges.

Key Factors Influencing Menstrual Symptoms

For those without exercise habits, stress and menstrual duration were significant indicators of severe symptoms. Conversely, female soccer players were affected by factors such as body mass index (BMI), bedtime, and even caffeine intake.

Personalized Solutions Are Key!

The findings highlight the diverse nature of menstrual symptoms and the varied factors influencing them based on exercise habits. As the study concluded, tailored strategies are essential when it comes to managing menstrual symptoms effectively. Individualized approaches may yield better results and improve the quality of life for women during their menstrual cycles.