In February 2019 researchers from Iran and South Africa published the results of their study to assess the effect of yoga on women with premenstrual syndrome who suffered from depression. A total of 62 women (aged 20-45 years), initially monitored for premenstrual syndrome and depression, were divided into two groups: yoga and a control group. Those in the yoga group practised yoga over two months in three sessions, with the duration of each session being 60 minutes. Results showed that the yoga significantly reduced the severity of the depression when compared to the control group. In addition the diastolic blood pressure level was also seen to be significantly decreased following the yoga session.
Ghaffarilaleh G et al. Yoga positively affected depression and blood pressure in women with premenstrual syndrome in a randomized controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2019 Feb;34:87-92.