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Systematic review, 2024

Does yoga help PMS symptoms?

Yes, yoga helps reduce at least some physical and psychological PMS symptoms, though we need more research on which symptoms it helps most.

Strong study design Women with premenstrual syndrome

What they did

They searched four international databases from inception to January 31, 2024 for studies on yoga and PMS, and reviewed 12 studies that met inclusion criteria.

What they found

All 12 studies showed that yoga reduced at least one or more PMS symptoms. Physical symptoms reduced included bloating, pain, fatigue, breast tenderness, and appetite changes. Psychological symptoms reduced included irritability, stress, anxiety, depression, loss of interest, attention problems, control issues, and arousal problems.

What it means for you

Yoga can help with several PMS symptoms, both physical and psychological. Main limitation: it is unclear exactly which yoga practices work best or why, and there is a lack of clarity regarding the effect of yoga on many other PMS symptoms.

35

studies examined

12

studies included

About the study

Original title
Effect of Yoga on Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors
Upama Misra, Saamdu Chetri
Journal
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH
Year
2024
Study design
Systematic review
What was tested
Yoga interventions of various types and durations
Open access
Yes

Topics