Introduction: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a combination of physical, psychological, and behavioral disorders that many young and middle-aged women experience during their luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Several possible causes, including hormonal changes, neurotransmitters, diet, stress, and sedentary lifestyle, may be involved in the onset of this syndrome.
Method: The present study was conducted on a population of 60 young unmarried girls aged 18 to 25 with premenstrual syndrome who did not use hormonal pills. The physical activity level was assessed using the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (BPAQ) and VO2 max by Bruce test, while premenstrual syndrome was evaluated using the Iranian version of the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST). To measure cortisol, 3 ml saliva samples were collected from individuals using a completely unstimulated method, and their levels were measured using the ELISA method with the Human Saliva Cortisol kit from ZellBio GmbH. Data were collected on days 12-16 of the menstrual cycle. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between variables at a significance level of p<0.05.
Results: Premenstrual syndrome had a negative and significant correlation with vo2max (p =0/035, r= 0/272) and physical activity level (p= 0/041, r =0/281), and on the other hand, had a positive and significant correlation with cortisol levels (p= 0/014, r =0/272). An increase in vo2max levels was accompanied by a decrease in cortisol levels (p= 0/049, r= 301/0).
Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, it seems that the level of physical activity and physical fitness (vo2max) may be effective in reducing premenstrual syndrome symptoms in young girls, and the decrease in cortisol due to high physical fitness levels can be one of the effective mechanisms in reducing premenstrual syndrome.