What Devices Help With PMS?

Treating symptoms of PMS with a non-pharmacological approach includes certain devices which help in overcoming PMS symptoms like cramps, mood swings, stress, and more. One such device is the Breathing Technique Device which helps elevate mood and provides a sense of relaxation during PMS.

1. Breathing technique device

What Is the Breathing Technique Device?

The 4-7-8 breathing may help you better manage your breathing. It involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding your breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds.

This is typically practiced as a cycle, where you repeat the breathing sequence for a desired amount of time.

How Does the Breathing Technique Device Work?

Progesterone fluctuation during periods leads to lower serotonin and dopamine levels resulting in irritable mood, and increased stress levels.

Breathing techniques produce a sense of relaxation in the body, lowers stress hormones, and helps with stabilizing emotions.[1][2]

What Is the Efficacy of the Breathing Technique Device for PMS?

Methods: Studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of breathing techniques in treating PMS across various techniques like combined Pilates and breathing exercises thrice weekly, structured pranayama training, or app-based mindfulness sessions with guided breathing practices. Participants were assessed before and after intervention using standardized tools measuring PMS symptom severity, quality of life, cognitive performance, autonomic function, and sleep quality, with control groups or alternative interventions for comparison.[3][4][5]

Results: All three interventions led to significant reductions in PMS symptom severity and improvements in quality of life. Pranayama training enhanced autonomic balance, reduced blood pressure and heart rate, and improved cognitive measures, while Pilates with breathing exercises improved sleep quality and social/emotional functioning. App-based mindfulness further reduced mood, behavioral, and physical symptoms, with benefits seen across both physical and mental health domains.

Conclusion: Breathing-based interventions, whether through structured pranayama, combined Pilates and breathing exercises, or mindfulness with guided breathing, are effective, safe, and accessible strategies for managing PMS.

What Are the Side-Effects of the Breathing Technique Device?

There are no known short term or long term side effects.

Medically reviewed by: Dr Yash Bahuguna.

Researched by: Dr Inara Isani.

Written by: Avantika Sukhia.

References

1. Bentley TG, D’Andrea-Penna G, Rakic M, Arce N, LaFaille M, Berman R, Cooley K, Sprimont P. Breathing practices for stress and anxiety reduction: Conceptual framework of implementation guidelines based on a systematic review of the published literature. Brain Sciences. 2023 Nov 21;13(12):1612.
2. Balban MY, Neri E, Kogon MM, Weed L, Nouriani B, Jo B, Holl G, Zeitzer JM, Spiegel D, Huberman AD. Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and reduce physiological arousal. Cell Reports Medicine. 2023 Jan 17;4(1).
3. Mazaheri Asadi D, Zahedi Tajrishi K, Gharaei B. Mindfulness training intervention with the Persian version of the mindfulness training mobile app for premenstrual syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2022 Jun 17;13:922360.
4. Sheerin Banu S, Jebakani DB, Sabitha P. Effect of pilates and breathing exercise on quality of life and sleep quality among medical students with premenstrual syndrome. International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology. 12(7):2207.
5. Feula AJ, Yerrabelli D, Pal GK. Effect of pranayama on sympatho-vagal imbalance and cognitive deficit in premenstrual syndrome. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. 2024 Jan 1;13(1):259–64.