AIIMS doctors say yoga could be one of the most powerful tools for women’s health: 5 important reasons every woman should practise it every day

Yoga is increasingly being recognised as a helpful tool in managing polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), a condition that affects millions of women worldwide. Experts say regular yoga practice may help reduce stress, improve hormonal balance and support metabolic health when combined with medical treatment and healthy lifestyle habits.

The condition, previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), was renamed PMOS in 2026 to better reflect its impact on multiple hormonal and metabolic systems across the body rather than the ovaries alone.

As International Yoga Day is observed on 21 June, doctors and researchers are highlighting the growing evidence linking yoga and stress management to better outcomes for women living with PMOS.

What is PMOS and why was PCOS renamed?

PMOS is a complex hormonal and metabolic disorder that can affect menstrual cycles, fertility, weight, skin health and insulin regulation.

Common symptoms include:

• Irregular periods
• Weight gain
• Acne
• Excess hair growth
• Fertility challenges
• Insulin resistance

Experts say the new name, PMOS, reflects a broader understanding of the condition and acknowledges that it affects several endocrine and metabolic pathways throughout the body.

How does stress affect PMOS symptoms?

According to health experts, stress plays a much bigger role in PMOS than many people realise. When the body experiences chronic stress, it produces higher levels of cortisol, often called the stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels can worsen insulin resistance, which is one of the key drivers of PMOS.

As insulin resistance increases, androgen levels may also rise, potentially leading to symptoms such as:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Acne flare-ups
• Weight gain
• Difficulty managing hormonal balance

This creates a cycle where stress and hormonal disruption can reinforce each other.

Can yoga help women with PMOS?

Experts believe yoga can be a valuable addition to conventional treatment plans. Speaking to PTI, Dr Rabindra Mohan Acharya, Director of VYASA Delhi, said PMOS should be viewed as a condition that affects both physical and mental health.

"PMOS is not merely a reproductive or metabolic condition; it is a multidimensional health challenge that affects both the body and mind. Sustainable management requires a holistic approach where stress reduction, yoga, mindfulness and lifestyle modifications work alongside medical care to restore balance and improve overall well-being," he told PTI.

What does research say about yoga and hormonal health?

Scientific studies have also explored the relationship between yoga and PMOS management. A study conducted by researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) found that a structured yoga programme helped reduce anxiety levels and improve hormonal parameters among adolescent girls with PCOS.

The findings suggest that yoga may work as a useful complementary therapy alongside standard medical treatment.

Why mental health matters in PMOS management

Many women with PMOS experience emotional challenges in addition to physical symptoms.

These may include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Low self-esteem
• Body image concerns

According to PTI, Dr Rima Dada, Professor at AIIMS Delhi, said growing evidence shows that mental well-being and hormonal health are closely linked.

"There is increasing evidence that psychological stress and hormonal health are closely interconnected. Chronic stress can adversely affect reproductive and metabolic pathways. Integrating yoga, meditation and other stress management strategies with standard medical treatment can help improve both physical and emotional health outcomes in women with PMOS," she told PTI.

Which yoga practices may be beneficial?

Experts say a combination of physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation can help improve overall well-being.

According to PTI, Dr Ishwar V Basavaraddi, Director of the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, highlighted yoga's role as a non-drug approach to managing stress.

"Regular practice of yoga, including asanas, pranayama and meditation, helps reduce stress, improve autonomic balance and enhance emotional resilience. These practices can support hormonal regulation and metabolic health, making yoga a valuable complementary intervention in the management of PMOS," he told PTI.

Can yoga improve sleep and insulin sensitivity?

Doctors say the benefits of yoga may extend beyond stress reduction.

Regular practice may help:

• Improve sleep quality
• Support insulin sensitivity
• Enhance emotional resilience
• Improve overall quality of life
• Encourage healthier lifestyle habits

However, experts stress that yoga works best when combined with medical care, a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

Why should women not ignore the emotional side of PMOS?

Many women focus mainly on visible symptoms such as weight changes, acne or irregular periods while overlooking the emotional burden of the condition.

According to PTI, Dr Kadambini Acharya, Assistant Director at VYASA Delhi, said mental well-being deserves equal attention.

"Management of PMOS includes more than just treating the visible aspects. The emotional stress experienced by women, combined with lack of sleep and poor lifestyle habits, can significantly affect hormonal health. By incorporating yoga, mindfulness and relaxation techniques into daily routines, women can achieve better physical, mental and reproductive health outcomes," she told PTI.

Experts recommend a holistic approach

Health experts agree that there is no single solution for managing PMOS. Instead, they recommend a combination of:

• Medical treatment
• Healthy nutrition
• Regular exercise
• Adequate sleep
• Yoga and meditation
• Stress management techniques

As awareness of PMOS continues to grow, experts believe yoga should be seen not as an optional wellness activity but as an important part of a broader, holistic approach to improving long-term health and well-being.