Physical activity reduces perimenopause symptoms in global study
A study of over 1,800 women across 87 countries found that more frequent physical activity is linked to significantly lower severity of perimenopause symptoms, with psychological benefits like reduced anxiety showing the strongest association.
Higher physical activity frequency is linked to a lower burden of perimenopause symptoms, according to a large international study. The research, involving more than 1,800 perimenopausal women, found that moving more often was associated with significantly lower scores across all symptom domains.
Presenting author Dr. Liudmila Zhaunova, Director of Science at Flo Health, noted that the benefits of physical activity appeared strongest for psychological symptoms. These include low mood, irritability, and anxiety. The inverse association held true for somatic and urogenital symptoms as well.
The study was a cross-sectional analysis of users of the Flo app aged 35 and older who self-identified as perimenopausal. More than 1,800 respondents from 87 countries across six continents completed an online survey. They described their physical activity frequency, with options ranging from not physically active to active five or more days a week. Symptom severity was assessed using the Menopause Rating Scale across psychological, somatic, and urogenital domains.
Researchers used multivariable linear regression models to examine the link, adjusting for confounders like age, body mass index, smoking status, and healthcare access. In unadjusted analysis, mean total symptom scores showed a statistically significant inverse association with increasing physical activity.
Key findings across symptom domains
The data showed a clear dose-response relationship: as physical activity frequency increased, symptom scores decreased. The reductions were statistically significant across every category measured.
| Activity Frequency | Total MRS Score | Somatic Score | Psychological Score | Urogenital Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not physically active | 17.46 ± 7.79 | 6.06 ± 3.07 | 7.77 ± 3.74 | 3.63 ± 2.69 |
| ≥5 days/week | 13.77 ± 7.06 | 4.48 ± 2.58 | 6.41 ± 3.49 | 2.87 ± 2.56 |
The adjusted model confirmed a significant inverse association for psychological, somatic, and urogenital domains. The benefits for psychological symptoms showed the strongest statistical link.
Study methodology and scope
The mean age of participants was 45 years. Individuals using hormonal contraception or hormone therapy were excluded from the analysis. Physical activity frequency was self-reported using five set options. The global scope included respondents from 87 countries, offering a diverse population sample. The relationship between activity and perimenopause symptom burden in such a wide population had been previously underexplored.
Expert endorsement of physical activity
The Menopause Society has highlighted regular physical activity as a low-risk strategy to improve well-being during the menopause transition. The society states that activity improves sleep, lowers blood pressure, reduces anxiety, builds muscle, strengthens bones, and helps control weight.
Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of The Menopause Society, echoed that encouraging regular physical activity is a low-risk strategy that may help improve overall well-being during the menopause transition. The study was presented at The Menopause Society Annual Meeting in San Diego, California. Perimenopause is marked by hormone changes that lead to physical and psychological symptoms capable of impairing quality of life.
The findings highlight physical activity as a practical, modifiable lifestyle intervention for managing perimenopausal symptoms. The research supports incorporating regular movement as a foundational strategy for symptom management.
