When we stop to think about the human body, we realise what a miraculous creation it is. Not only does it know how to heal itself, but it also has on hand all of the things it needs to feel better in the midst of pain. Even something like PMT, or premenstrual tension, can be relieved by the body in a natural way. By recognizing how the body works and how you can help it work even better, you can reduce PMT symptoms each month until they become less of a nuisance and more of a memory.

What is PMT?

PMT, or premenstrual tension, is often included in the description of PMS, or premenstrual syndrome. This is a condition that occurs before a woman's menstrual period in which she might experience symptoms like:

• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Cramps
• Lower back pain
• Bloating
• Weight gain
• Depression
• Memory troubles
• Food cravings
• Headaches
• Tiredness
• Insomnia
• Acne
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Irritability
• Breast tenderness

And this list is different or all women, with some women reporting more symptoms, and other women reporting fewer symptoms.


No matter your range of symptoms, PMT can be an uncomfortable and distracting time of the month. While you might know it is approaching, it can still become a time in which you not only need to remove yourself from your regular life, but you also feel horrible in the process.

The good news is that just because you have PMT doesn't mean you can't also take measures to reduce or even eliminate your symptoms completely. And you don't need to visit a doctor or take a pill in order to achieve this new state of health.

Why Exercise Helps PMT

The human body was designed for movement. And with today's now mostly sedentary lifestyle, it's no wonder that issues like PMT are becoming more of a problem for more women. When we don't exercise, our bodies and the processes within them are slowed and made less efficient. Our blood doesn't circulate as well and we're not able to produce natural pain-fighting chemicals.

Exercise helps our bodies produce chemicals called endorphins. You might already know this as the 'runner's high' you can get after a longer workout. These endorphins will help to slow down pain processes and they will help to manage other symptoms of PMT as well.

When you exercise, it allows the blood to move more freely in the body. This enhanced circulation means that you can reduce bloating by moving water through the body more efficiently. You will also notice that digestion is easier and that acne is less of an issue. The body is able to speed up these sluggish processes of water retention and oil production, helping you look and feel better than ever. Headaches are eased as well with this additional blood flow.

Research has also shown that exercise can help to lift your mood; no matter how low you might feel. By helping to stimulate neurotransmitters in the brain, your body can continue to feel good, even as you enter into PMT. Mood swings can dissipate and irritability can subside.

And of course, exercise provides a distraction from the negative physical feelings you're having. By simply getting outside or onto a piece of exercise equipment, you can begin to reduce your overall stress and tension, helping you forget about symptoms of PMT.

What You Can Do Today

While any exercise is certainly going to help those who suffer from PMT, there are specific exercises you can do to help you with certain moods you may have.

Those who are feeling tired and irritable may choose to use soothing exercises like Yoga and Pilates movements to help get their blood moving, but in a relaxed and focused manner. By stretching out the muscles, you can begin to feel your circulation increase.

For PMT sufferers who deal with anger before their period, a class of kickboxing or a run around the block will be helpful at dissipating these feelings. Or you might want to choose a difficult team sport to help channel your irritation into something more positive.

Those who feel depressed during PMT might want to try aerobics or biking as an exercise plan. These exercises require your concentration, so this can distract you from your misery until the endorphins kick in.

Whenever you begin to feel the symptoms of PMT, heading out for a quick walk or run is certainly going to help you feel better. And the more you do it the rest of the month, the more benefits you will notice during that premenstrual time.

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