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Researchers at University of Tsukuba have found that the severity of menstrual-related symptoms, such as dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome, may vary depending on exercise habits. Their study suggests that strategies to manage these symptoms should be tailored to individual lifestyles, particularly physical activity levels.

Tsukuba, Japan—Approximately 90% of young women experience menstrual-related symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. However, practical and personalized measures to alleviate these symptoms remain underdeveloped.

In this study, researchers conducted a web-based questionnaire survey assessing and comparing symptoms severity, personal characteristics, and lifestyle factors in two groups: 99 young women without regular exercise habits and 125 female soccer players who exercise regularly. The results revealed distinct factors influencing symptoms severity depending on exercise habits. Among young women without exercise habits, the number of menstruation days and perceived stress were key contributors. Conversely, among those with regular exercise habits, body mass index, bedtime, caffeine intake, and breakfast consumption were significantly associated with symptom severity. These findings suggest that the factors contributing to menstrual-related symptoms differ depending on exercise habits, highlighting the importance of individualized approaches to symptom management. The researchers hope this research will lead to better symptom control and improvements in women's health and quality of life.

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This study was supported by the Japanese Center for Research on Women in Sport, Juntendo University.

Original Paper

Title of original paper:

Comparison of factors associated with the occurrence of menstruation-related symptoms in Japanese women without exercise habits and female soccer players: A cross-sectional study

Journal:

BMC Women's Health

DOI:

10.1186/s12905-025-03655-w

Correspondence

Professor NAKATA Yoshio
Institute of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba

Professor MACHIDA Shuichi
Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University

Professor NATSUI Hiroaki
Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, Japan Women's College of Physical Education

Related Link

Institute of Health and Sport Sciences