Can Sex Alleviate PMS Symptoms?

Many women often experience cramps, bloating, and fatigue before or during their menstrual period.  These PMS symptoms, though common, can be incredibly disruptive.  Along with employing the use of some established remedies, like heating pads, over-the-counter pain relievers, exercise and warm baths, some women may find that sexual intimacy can be a surprising source of symptom relief during this time.¹

How Does Sex Help with PMS Symptoms?

Around 90% of women experience PMS symptoms during their reproductive years, ranging from mild to severe.² From headaches to moodiness, PMS symptoms can quickly disrupt your day-to-day life,³ however, learning and incorporating ways to alleviate and manage your symptoms can help significantly improve your well-being during this time of the month.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), are defined by symptoms that typically occur a week or two before the start of a menstrual period – although women may experience it around 5 days before their period starts as well.⁴ Experts believe that PMS is caused by a rapid drop in estrogen and progesterone levels following ovulation, in addition to changes in serotonin – these sudden shifts are often what trigger PMS symptoms.^5.6 Once your period arrives, and your hormone levels re-stabilize, you’ll likely note an easing of your symptoms.

Prostaglandins, hormone-like chemicals produced in the body, also play a role in PMS by triggering contractions to shed the uterine lining during your period.⁷ The build-up of prostaglandins before menstruation can often result in more painful cramping⁸ – which, as many women know, is one of the more common symptoms of PMS. Interestingly enough, some women find that having sex during PMS time can actually offer relief from cramping, possibly by helping to reduce the intensity of the pain.⁹

You May Experience an Increased Sex Drive During PMS

PMS isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. Some women face a wave of discomfort, while others might be surprised by a surge in libido. Why the difference? Here are a few things to consider:

• Hormones: During ovulation, the production of specific sex hormones, mainly estrogen and testosterone, ramp up, which can naturally trigger an increased sex drive.¹⁰ This hormonal surge coincides with your most fertile window, which is likely nature’s way of boosting the desire to conceive.
• You’re less likely to get pregnant: For some women, knowing they are less fertile right before menstruation might act as a green light for sexual intimacy. When intentionally used, this is referred to as the “rhythm method” – it’s essentially where you track your menstrual history to determine when you’re most likely to conceive; this method can be used to both prevent pregnancy or plan for it.¹¹ Of note, the most likely time to conceive is between days 10-14 of your menstrual cycle, which is considered to be the approximate ovulation window based on a typical 28 day cycle,¹² therefore having sex outside of this window may decrease the chances of pregnancy. It’s always best, however, to consider a method of contraception in the event you’re trying to avoid pregnancy completely.
• Increased blood flow to the genitals: If you notice your libido is a bit heightened during your period, an increase in blood flow to your pelvic region may be the cause. Additional blood flow during this time can increase physical sensitivity, which can trigger arousal in some women¹³ – this, in-turn, could have a positive impact on your sex drive during your period.

The Connection Between Sex and PMS Symptom Relief

It’s true, some research has found that having sex during PMS could actually reduce the intensity and frequency of menstrual cramps.¹⁴ Researchers have also found that orgasms can reduce overall pain by releasing “feel-good” hormones, notably oxytocin and dopamine, into your bloodstream.¹⁵ The release of these “feel-good” hormones are directly associated with pleasurable sensations and the feeling of love.¹⁶ While you may be thinking of anything but engaging in sex during this time, the bottom line is — it could help manage some of your PMS symptoms.

Premenstrual syndrome can bring a range of unwelcome symptoms. While the research on the exact connection between sexual activity and pain relief is ongoing, some findings do point to it potentially offering benefits for PMS symptom management. Additionally, the intimacy and emotional connection fostered during sexual activity may contribute to stress reduction and a boost in your mood,¹⁷ which can both help to support feeling better if you’re experiencing PMS. If you’re struggling with PMS symptoms, it may be worthwhile to incorporate sexual activity to see if it helps.



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Resources

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/menstrual-cramp-remedies
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8735714/
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-menstrual-syndrome/
4. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/report/premenstrual-syndrome
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24288-pms-premenstrual-syndrome  
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560698
7. https://www.everydayhealth.com/prostaglandins/guide/
8. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/symptoms-causes/syc-20374938
9. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/sex-during-periods#benefits
10. https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/horny-before-period-2
11. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rhythm-method/about/pac-20390918
12. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322951#faq
13. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/horny-on-your-period
14. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374944
15. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19993738/period-cramps/
16. https://www.healthline.com/health/happy-hormone
17. https://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/is-sex-an-antidepressant.aspx