Can Yoga Relieve Symptoms of PCOS?How yoga benefits symptoms of PCOS

Although yoga cannot cure PCOS, it may help with some of the symptoms.

Yoga may decrease testosterone levels According to a recent study, practicing yoga may help decrease testosterone levels and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression in women with PCOS. More specifically, participants who did a one-hour yoga class three times a week for three months reduced testosterone levels by 29 percent.

In the study, researchers randomly assigned 31 women with PCOS between 23 and 42 years of age to either a mindful yoga group or control group. Classes happened three times a week for one hour each, for a total of three months. Participants’ endocrine, cardiometabolic, and psychological measurements were taken initially, and then again after three months.Although positive changes in PCOS symptoms and anxiety levels can occur with any moderate aerobic exercise, yoga is accessible for many fitness levels and a wide range of ages. This is not always the case with other forms of exercise like swimming, cycling, walking, or running. Plus, yoga has a mindfulness component that helps promote relaxation and balance moods.

Monisha Bhanote, MD, FASCP, FCAP, triple board-certified physician, and Yoga Medicine instructor, says that adding an integrative approach to women with PCOS can be beneficial as individuals can show an increased prevalence of depression and anxiety.

“These mood disorders may be directly related .