Yoga for PCOS: A Holistic Approach to Improving Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Mental Well-Being

Introduction: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting 11-13% of women globally during reproductive age. It is characterized by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors, leading to a wide array of symptoms, including menstrual irregularities, insulin resistance, obesity, infertility, and mental health challenges. Obesity, often exacerbated by lifestyle factors such as poor diet and inactivity, worsens PCOS outcomes. While medications provide short-term relief, they often have side effects, highlighting the need for non-pharmacological approaches. Yoga therapy, which combines physical, mental, and dietary practices, has emerged as a potential adjuvant therapy for managing PCOS symptoms. Methods: This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of yoga as an adjuvant therapy for PCOS. Data were collected from 150 women diagnosed with PCOS based on the Rotterdam criteria, with 34 participants completing the 12-week online and offline yoga program. A structured questionnaire assessed patient satisfaction with the yoga intervention, focusing on symptom management, mental well-being, sleep, and quality of life. The yoga program included postures, breathing exercises, meditation, relaxation techniques, and dietary guidance. Statistical analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between yoga practice duration and improvement in PCOS-related outcomes. Results: Out of 43 respondents, 55.8% found the yoga program "very easy" to attend, and 30.2% reported significant improvement in PCOS symptoms. 55.8% experienced moderate mental well-being improvements, and 72.1% rated their post-intervention quality of life as "good" or "excellent." Yoga was found to be "very helpful" for managing PCOS by 48.8% of participants, and 62.8% found it an "acceptable" complementary therapy. The data showed statistically significant improvements in PCOS symptoms and quality of life, correlating with the duration of yoga practice. Discussion: The study demonstrated that yoga is a feasible and effective adjuvant therapy for PCOS. Although participants initially faced challenges incorporating yoga into their routines, they gradually adapted and reported positive outcomes in terms of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Yoga provided benefits beyond medication, offering a holistic approach without adverse effects. These findings align with previous research, suggesting that yoga can help regulate menstrual cycles, manage weight, and improve mental health in women with PCOS. Conclusion: Yoga is a viable non-pharmacological approach for managing PCOS, with potential long-term benefits for physical and mental health. The integration of yoga with dietary guidance shows promise in improving both quality of life and symptom management. Future studies should explore objective clinical measurements to validate these results further and investigate the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of yoga in PCOS.