Yoga Therapy: The Fourth Dimension in the Multidisciplinary Management of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, A Narrative Review

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age. PCOS is majorly associated with hyperandrogenemia, hyperinsulinemia and associated co-morbidities. Early diagnosis and treatment may reduce the risk of long-term complications, such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart disease. Lifestyle management with diet, exercise and weight loss is a very important component of management of the syndrome. Medical yoga therapy is emerging as an effective modality in the management of many non communicable diseases. Women with PCOS also suffer from emotional ill health; anxiety and depression. Yoga therapy addresses stress management, an important determinant of psychological co-morbidity. Yoga has calming effect on the mind and body possibly through balancing sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. This results in multiple beneficial effects on neuroendocrine axis and also facilitates the adoption of healthier lifestyle that addresses the underlying hyperandrogenemia and insulin resistance in PCOS. However there is scant literature on application of yoga therapy for the management of PCOS. The objectives of this narrative review are: 1. To understand the possible mechanisms through which yoga could affect the pathophysiology of PCOS. 2. To summarise the existing literature about role of yoga therapy in PCOS and 3. To explore the future directions and modalities to integrate yoga in the multidisciplinary management of PCOS to improve the quality of life of these women. It also emphasises the need to have more research studies to generate evidence on the effects of various components of yoga on different aspects of PCOS.