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FitnessLuteal2 min read

When Workouts Feel Harder Before Your Period

Tiredness and bloating are common premenstrual symptoms. If a workout feels harder than usual, it's fine to ease off.

Tiredness and bloating are common premenstrual symptoms. If a workout feels harder than usual, it's fine to ease off — research hasn't found a clear pattern in exercise performance across the cycle, so go by how you feel. Regular aerobic activity throughout the month may help with premenstrual symptoms, including tiredness.

Sources

  1. NHSPMS (premenstrual syndrome) (2024)
  2. Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesPremenstrual syndrome (PMS) (2025)
  3. Sports Medicine (McNulty et al.)The Effects of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Exercise Performance in Eumenorrheic Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2020)

General wellness information, not medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider about your health.