The psychological benefits of physical exercise: Implications for women and the menstrual cycle

Abstract

Recent meta-analyses have substantiated claims that physical exercise is associated with reductions in anxiety and depression. There have also been reports that these associations are stronger for women. No explanation of these findings has become apparent. Anecdotal evidence claims that physical exercise is an effective treatment for the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea but empirical studies have only rarely considered this hypothesis. This report will assess these studies briefly and examine the hypothesis that physical exercise is effective in the management of menstrual cycle symptoms, and that because of this women have much to gain from exercising.