Effect of Yoga on Menopausal Symptoms in the Early Menopausal Period: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Menopause literally means cessation of menses. Menopause occurs in women in midlife and it signals the end of the fertile phase of a woman's life. This transition from a potentially reproductive to a nonreproductive state is the result of a reduction in female hormonal production by the ovaries. This reduction is manifested in various postmenopausal symptoms which affects the quality of life of the female. Previous studies have shown the benefits of yoga therapy in treating the climacteric symptoms of menopause. However not many studies have evaluated the effects of yoga in the form of Pranayama and Surya namaskar on somatovegetative, psychological and urogenital symptoms associated with the early post menopausal phase and on the quality of life. Hence the purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effects of yoga in the form of Pranayama and Surya Namaskar on the menopausal symptoms and quality of life of menopausal women in the early menopausal period.