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A Four-phase, Menstrual Cycle-specific Yoga Module to Enhance Menstrual Health: A Development, Validation and
Darshana Hazarika1, Abhijit Baishya2, Kashinath Metri1,3
1Department of Yoga, School of Sports Sciences, Yoga and Education, Central University of Rajasthan, Kishangarh, Rajasthan, India.
Annals of Neurosciences
|July 10, 2026
Summary
This study developed a phase-specific yoga program for the menstrual cycle, finding it feasible and effective in reducing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms and improving quality of life. This approach supports menstrual health by aligning yoga with hormonal changes.
Area of Science:
- Integrative medicine and women's health research.
- Exploration of yoga's physiological impact on hormonal cycles.
Background:
- The menstrual cycle involves hormonal fluctuations affecting neurocognition, emotion, pain, and physical performance.
- Current yoga practices often overlook these cyclical physiological transitions.
- A phase-specific yoga approach may better align with hormonal changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a four-phase yoga module tailored to the menstrual cycle.
- To content-validate this specialized yoga module.
- To assess the feasibility of the module for supporting menstrual health.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of yoga and scientific literature for module development.
- Expert validation using Lawshe's Content Validity Ratio (CVR).
- Feasibility pilot study in female university students with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), measuring fidelity, validity, symptom severity, and quality of life.
Main Results:
- Validated module retained specific practices for each menstrual phase (CVR > 0.59).
- Feasibility study showed 100% acceptance and retention with no adverse events.
- Significant reduction in PMS symptoms and improvement in PMS-related quality of life (PMS-QoL) after 8 weeks.
Conclusions:
- A four-phase, menstrual cycle-specific yoga module is feasible and acceptable.
- Preliminary evidence suggests improvements in PMS symptoms and quality of life.
- Physiology-informed yoga strategies aligning with menstrual cycle phases show promise for women's health.
Related Concept Videos
01:19The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
01:18Menses Phase
The uterine cycle begins with the menstrual phase, which is considered day one of the cycle and typically lasts about five days. This phase is characterized by the degeneration and shedding of the stratum functionalis, the functional layer of the endometrium.
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
01:27Ovarian Cycle
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
01:20Proliferative Phase
The proliferative phase typically occurs after menstruation and lasts between 6 to 13 days in a standard 28-day cycle. This phase involves the reconstruction of the endometrium, guided by estrogen produced by the developing ovarian follicle.
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...