Introduction: Numerous hormonal changes occurring during the menstrual cycle are associated with premenstrual disorders. Approximately 40 % of women’s of reproductive age suffer from premenstrual syndrome, while premenstrual dysphoric disorder affects around 8 % of women. Both premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder cause a range of severe psychological, behavioural, and physical symptoms that impair women's daily functioning and reduce their quality of life. Purpose: The aim of this thesis is to explore how premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder affect women’s quality of life and to gain a deeper understanding of these conditions. Furthermore, the goal is to examine the impact of physical activity on the alleviation of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms. Methods: A systematic review of scientific and professional literature in English was conducted on the topic of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder in women. The literature search was carried out from January to May 2025 using the EBSCOhost search engine across the following database CINAHL Ultimate. We used the following search strings: Premenstrual syndrom OR premenstrual dysphoric disorder OR pmdd OR pms AND treatment OR intervention OR therapy; Premenstrual syndrom OR premenstrual dysphoric disorder OR pmdd OR pms AND quality of life; Premenstrual syndrom OR premenstrual dysphoric disorder OR pmdd OR pms AND exercise OR physical fitness OR physical activity; Premenstrual syndrom OR premenstrual dysphoric disorder OR pmdd OR pms AND nursing OR midwifery OR gynecological nursing. Results: Physical activity has demonstrated positive effects in reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, including pain, tension, anxiety, depression, and in improving overall quality of life. Effective forms of exercise include aerobic activity, yoga, pilates, and combined programs that integrate psychological support and health education. The nurse role has been highlighted in studies, where it has proven to be an important component in implementing educational and supportive interventions that contribute to the reduction of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms, as well as to the improvement of women’s quality of life. Discussion and conclusion: Regular physical activity is an effective and accessible non-pharmacological approach for managing premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms. The role of nurses is crucial, as is the need for further research to contribute to the development of clinical practice guidelines.
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