LexiYoga

Yoga for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Written by Dr. Minakshi Welukar.

Yoga is an outstanding technique for keeping harmony between various body systems. By keeping the uterus and ovaries healthy, yoga can aid to overcome polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

butterfly pose

Yoga addresses infertility, weight gain and psychological challenges which are all important issues of PCOS.

PCOS: A Frustrating Experience for Women

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder characterized by an enlarged ovary filled with small cysts. A PCOS woman can suffer from psychological, reproductive and metabolic consequences due to hormonal disturbances.

Poor hormonal signaling can result in high level of male hormone and insulin resistance. This results in excessive hair, acne, irregular menstrual cycles, and propensity to weight gain and infertility. PCOS is a major cause of metabolic consequences like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. All these can adversely affect the psychological well-being of women, which can lead to depression and anxiety.

Yoga to Overcome PCOS

Yoga is recognized as a complementary treatment in combating PCOS and help to prevent symptoms from getting worse due to the following health benefits:

Stress, PCOS and Yoga

Stress is attributed as a major cause for hormonal imbalance. Stressed out working women of modern era are highly susceptible to PCOS. On the contrary, striking PCOS symptoms also lead to stress and depression.

Yoga eases any stress through breathing techniques that bring complete relaxation within the body. Relaxation can work to offset the effects of hormonal imbalance and take care of any negative emotions, irritability and frequent mood swings. By keeping your mind steady, yoga can take care of depression and anxiety.

Anulima-Viloma (alternate nostril breathing),Bhramri (bee pranayama) and kapalbhati are well known breathing techniques that can relieve deep stress from the body.

Weight gain, PCOS and Yoga

Weight gain without apparent reason is another major issue associated with PCOS. Excessive insulin production in PCOS leads to cellular insulin resistance. The insulin hormone controls cellular uptake of glucose for energy production. However, insulin resistance prevents utilization of glucose, and excessive glucose is ultimately stored as body fat leading to weight gain.

Yoga strengthens the muscles, improves hormonal levels and combats insulin resistance. Yoga along with a healthy diet helps to lose weight. Losing just 5-10 percent body weight is sufficient to normalize the menstrual cycles in PCOS women. Achievement of healthy body weight normalizes hormone levels and improves reproductive and psychological features.

Recommended Asanas for PCOS

Yoga is such a handy technique that can be incorporated as an everyday fitness program. When it comes to selection of asanas for PCOS, they should have an effect on reproductive, endocrine and nervous systems of the body.

Recommended asanas for PCOS are:

Practicing these asanas will become a reason to boost the health of the pelvic organs such as uterus and ovaries and improve functioning of the endocrine glands. Coupled with relaxation techniques, yoga promotes good health and perks up energy levels.

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