Summary: A systematic review indicates that yoga can help reduce pain and improve mood for women experiencing a variety of menstrual disorders.
Source: Mary Ann Liebert Inc.
Overview
A systematic review of published studies examining yoga and common menstrual disorders found consistent, beneficial effects across the literature. The review evaluated the impact of various yoga interventions on both physical and psychological menstrual symptoms and reports overall reductions in menstrual distress. The findings are presented in an article published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Jennifer Oates, PhD, of King’s College London, reviewed 15 primary studies (reported across 18 papers) that assessed the effects of yoga on conditions such as amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Women who participated in yoga programs commonly reported improved mood, reduced pain, greater wellbeing, and stronger relaxation responses following the interventions.
Although the studies varied widely in design, intensity, and the specific yoga techniques used, the overall pattern of results was positive. John Weeks, Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, notes that despite heterogeneity across studies, the consistency of beneficial findings gives patients reason for optimism.
Reporting and sources
Article summary prepared from a report by Mary Ann Liebert Inc. Image source credited to the American Museum of Natural History. The original research article is titled “The Effect of Yoga on Menstrual Disorders: A Systematic Review,” by Jennifer Oates, published online February 16, 2017 (doi:10.1089/acm.2016.0363) in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Suggested citations
MLA: Mary Ann Liebert Inc. “Can Yoga Reduce Symptoms of Menstrual Disorder?” NeuroscienceNews. April 27, 2017.
APA: Mary Ann Liebert Inc. (2017, April 27). Can yoga reduce symptoms of menstrual disorder? NeuroscienceNews.
Chicago: Mary Ann Liebert Inc. “Can Yoga Reduce Symptoms of Menstrual Disorder?” NeuroscienceNews. April 27, 2017.
Abstract (Rewritten for clarity)
Title: The Effect of Yoga on Menstrual Disorders: A Systematic Review
Objective: To summarize and evaluate the existing evidence for the effects of yoga practice on menstrual disorders and related symptoms.
Methods: The review searched major databases for English-language primary research relevant to the question of whether yoga affects menstrual disorders. Studies of all primary research designs that reported outcomes related to menstrual health were included.
Results: Fifteen studies, presented in 18 papers, met inclusion criteria. The interventions varied considerably: some studies combined physical postures (Asana), breathwork (Pranayama), and yogic relaxation or meditation techniques, while others used a narrower selection of practices. Despite differences in approach and outcome measurement, every included study reported some improvement in menstrual symptoms after a yoga intervention. Reported benefits included reductions in pain, decreases in mood-related symptoms, increased relaxation, and general improvements in wellbeing. However, because the studies differed in the types of yoga used, the intensity and length of interventions, and the outcome measures applied, it is difficult to generalize the findings or provide precise, practice-level recommendations for clinical settings.
Conclusions: The existing evidence suggests that yoga may be a helpful complementary approach for reducing menstrual distress and improving related physical and psychological symptoms. Nonetheless, future research should adopt more consistent methods and standardized outcome measures. Higher-quality trials with reproducible yoga protocols that can be implemented outside of tightly controlled clinical trials will strengthen the evidence base and improve applicability for routine care. Continued investigation is warranted to determine which specific yoga practices, frequencies, and durations are most effective for particular menstrual disorders.
The full systematic review by Jennifer Oates provides a useful synthesis of current findings and highlights the need for standardized, replicable research designs to better guide clinicians and patients interested in using yoga as part of menstrual disorder management.