Contemplative-based interventions for premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review of psychobiological outcomes
Sofía Walsen, Covadonga Chaves, Constanza Baquedano
Frontiers in Psychology August 10, 2026 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1912206 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,080 |
| Population | Women with premenstrual syndrome |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based programs Yoga Qigong |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness meditation Mindfulness-based intervention Premenstrual syndrome Qigong Yoga |
| Key findings | Contemplative practices improved mood, stress, anxiety, somatic complaints, and sleep quality in women with PMS. Yoga and qigong also reduced blood pressure and showed preliminary hormonal and cardiopulmonary benefits, whereas mindfulness-based interventions more selectively affected psychological and emotional outcomes. |
Abstract
IntroductionPremenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a cyclically recurring psychobiological condition affecting up to 47.8% of women of reproductive age, with considerable impact on daily functioning, quality of life and a documented economic burden linked to work absenteeism. Despite its prevalence, PMS remains substantially undertreated, and pharmacological approaches are often associated with undesirable side effects.MethodsThis systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and evaluated the efficacy of contemplative practices (CPs), specifically mindfulness-based programs, yoga, and qigong, across psychobiological outcome domains in women with PMS. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2015–2026) identified 18 studies comprising 15 independent trials (n = 1,080).ResultsAcross studies, CPs were associated with improvements in mood, stress, and anxiety, reductions in somatic complaints, and enhanced sleep quality. Movement-based CPs (yoga and qigong) produced broader physiological effects including reductions in blood pressure, preliminary evidence of hormonal modulation, and cardiopulmonary improvements, while non-movement mindfulness-based interventions more selectively targeted psychological and emotional domains. Methodological quality was moderate (PEDro median = 7), and most trials were rated as having some concerns on RoB 2.0.DiscussionThese findings are interpreted within a dual-axis modulation framework, in which CPs may simultaneously attenuate HPA-driven suppression of reproductive function and support HPO axis activity via autonomic and anti-inflammatory pathways. Future research should prioritize luteal phase-confirmed designs, objective biomarkers including heart rate variability and hormonal profiles, and adequately powered trials to elucidate mechanisms and optimal dosing.Systematic review registrationhttps://osf.io/hdpyf/overview.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cites 10
- Defining Contemplative Science: The Metacognitive Self-Regulatory Capacity of the Mind, Context of Meditation Practice and Modes of Existential Awareness Frontiers in Psychology November 17, 2016
- Editorial: What can Neuroscience Learn from Contemplative Practices? Frontiers in Psychology November 10, 2015
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis: A Systematic Review. Neurology International November 20, 2024
- The Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Premenstrual Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health 2023
- Mindfulness Training Intervention With the Persian Version of the Mindfulness Training Mobile App for Premenstrual Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Frontiers in Psychiatry 2022
and 5 more in the library