PCOS, the abbreviation for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is a health problem that affects women during their childbearing years (ages 15 to 44). PCOS affects the ovaries, the reproductive organs that produce oestrogen and progesterone. As a result, ovulation is often deranged and results in an inability to conceive a child.

Regular practice of yoga asana, pranayama and meditation helps to tackle and in fact reverse the effects of PCOS.

• Yoga asanas targeted at the reproductive region help stimulate blood circulation in the pelvic region. It relieves congestion in the uterus while enhancing relaxation and allowing uterine wall breakdown efficiently. This helps to deal with irregular menstruation.
• Enhancement of circulation in the whole body through surya namaskar and other inverted poses promotes restoration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis by resetting the hormonal balance.
• Yoga asanas generally tone the body muscles up to optimum levels encouraging a gradual weight loss. It also decreases insulin resistance portrayed by PCOS sufferers.
• Pranayama helps to restore the female-male hormonal ratio in a steady manner encouraging normal ovulation, better skin texture and improved hair growth.
• Meditation tackles issues related to self-esteem. It helps women with PCOS overcome anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.

I signed up for MAYI WELLNESS weight Loss programme recently. I had a knee injury two years ago. As a result, I gained weight, and it affected my menstrual flow. To my despair, I was diagnosed with PCOS and symptoms have become worse ever since. My physician suggested I do yoga and that’s why I am here at MAYI. To my amazement, just after some simple, breath regulated yoga poses in my first session, I had my menses flow! What usually seemed scanty and irregular is now normal. This is indeed very rewarding and I am looking forward to continue my programme – Loginy