Yoga positively affected depression and blood pressure in women with premenstrual syndrome in a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) often complain about depression when their menstrual cycle begins. This study investigated the effects of yoga on women with PMS suffering from depression during menstrual cycle.

METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted from April to October 2015 in Tabriz, Iran. All subjects (20-45 years old), who were frequently referred to the private obstetrics and gynecology clinics, were initially monitored for PMS and depression. Subjects completed the demographic and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) questionnaires before and after intervention. In addition, subjects were monitored for eligible and ineligible criteria. In this study 62 subjects were randomly selected for the yoga group and control groups. Subjects practiced yoga over two months in three sessions, the duration of each session was 60 min.

RESULTS: The general score of the depression after yoga intervention was statistically significant compared to the control group (P < 0.036) and yoga group before intervention (P < 0.001). The diastolic pressure decreased significantly after yoga intervention (P < 0.029). Yoga decreased the state of depression and diastolic pressure of the subjects with PMS complaining from depression.

CONCLUSION: We conclude that yoga has strong effects on depression symptoms and blood pressure, therefore it can be used as a complementary or alternative remedy for PMS patients.