The effectiveness of relaxation on premenstrual syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome is characterized by the cycle occurrence physical, psychological and behavioral symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstruation cycle and will disappear within a few days of the onset of menstruation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of relaxation therapy on premenstrual syndrome. This was a double-blind clinical trial study with control group and pretest-post-test. Study was carried out on 29 volunteer students of Kermanshah schools with PMS diagnosis in year 91-92. After surveying two menstruation cycles and confirming PMS existence, subject were randomly assigned into relaxation and control group. Relaxation protocol was performed for eight weeks in 1 month. Volunteers completed DRSP during 2 cycles before and 1 cycle after intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. The Mean premenstrual syndrome scores, in comparison between before intervention, (69.21±5.84 in relaxation group, 69.66±5.34 in control group) and after intervention (62.29±6.03 in relaxation group, 69.07±5.36 in control group) (p-value<0.001), relaxation group showed significant decrease averagely in mean of symptoms. Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that relaxation therapy is an effective method for relieving symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Our advice is for more research in this area.