Publication:

Menstrual resumption following a two-week Shakti Bandha asana intervention in polycystic ovarian syndrome: a case report

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) has a global prevalence of 4-20% and is a leading cause of secondary amenorrhea and infertility. Conventional management options are increasingly less preferred by some women warranting the exploration of integrative, non-pharmacological strategies such as yoga for more comprehensive and sustainable management. The main objective of this case report was to evaluate the effect of Shakti Bandha Asana (SBA) in the management of PCOS-associated secondary amenorrhea. A 22-year-old female, previously diagnosed with PCOS, presented with amenorrhea for the past six months following the self-discontinuation of hormonal therapy. She was instructed to practice SBA for a duration of two weeks, following which menstrual resumption was observed. Improvements were noted in C-reactive protein levels and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Questionnaire scores, while ovarian morphology and lipid profile showed mixed results. These findings suggest that a two-week SBA intervention may facilitate menstrual resumption, reduce inflammatory status and improved health-related quality of life in patients with PCOS-associated secondary amenorrhea.