Mindfulness- and relaxation-based interventions for Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects many women of reproductive age, often disrupting daily activities. Mindfulness- and relaxation-based techniques, such as yoga and progressive muscle relaxation techniques, can alleviate both physical and psychosocial symptoms associated with PMS. This systematic review synthesized existing evidence on the effects of mindfulness and relaxation interventions on the physical and psychosocial functioning of women experiencing PMS. The searches were conducted across five databases (PubMed, CINAHL Complete, ProQuest, MasterFILE Complete, and JSTOR Life Sciences) and two publisher websites (Wiley and Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.). This review followed the PRISMA guidelines and evaluated the quality of individual studies. Included were reproductive-age women using mindfulness or relaxation techniques for premenstrual symptoms in peer-reviewed intervention studies published between December 2015 and December 2025. This review included 22 studies involving 1,598 participants, comprising 13 RCTs, 7 non-RCTs, and 2 studies without a control group. The interventions included yoga (4), guided imagery (2), mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (2), progressive muscle relaxation (6), and other programs (5). One study each used an occupational therapy intervention, meditation, and counseling. The interventions typically lasted 20-60 minutes (18/22), and 19 studies evaluated PMS symptom severity. Mindfulness-and relaxation-based interventions decreased physical symptoms such as pain and fatigue, and psychosocial symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, and sexual function, resulting in an improved quality of life. Mindfulness- and relaxation-based interventions are associated with meaningful improvements in psychosocial, physical, and functional outcomes for PMS, although the evidence remains limited. These approaches may be considered as components of comprehensive, occupation-based care to support participation and overall well-being.