The Effect of Yoga and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise Practices on Premenstrual Syndrome

Menstrual cycle is defined as hormonal and physical changes that continue from menarche to menopause, affecting the whole organism, especially the reproductive organs. During this period, which is necessary for the normal continuation of female reproductive functions and occurs periodically every month, women encounter many menstrual problems. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), one of the most common problems, is defined as the changes that are associated with the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and that affect a woman's life in a regular and cyclical way, physically, emotionally and behaviorally.It is stated that PMS, which is very common in the society, affects close family relations, social life, work performance and work relations. The most common symptoms are; muscle, stomach and headache, breast tenderness, weight gain, intense desire for certain foods, appetite change, acne, edema, fatigue, mood swings, emotionality, irritability. It is known that the mental health of women who are physiologically affected by PMS will also be affected by the syndrome and bring along mental problems. Schmelzer stated in his study that the emergence of depressive thoughts and emotions in the premenstrual period is one of the most common PMS symptoms. In many studies examining the relationship between mental health and PMS, it has been found that there is a positive and significant relationship between PMS and depression level. One of these studies, Uran et al., in a study conducted with 55 people with an average age of 15, stated that the most common psychological factors accompanying PMS were irritability and anger level. As can be seen, PMS has negative effects on both mental health and physical health. Although many areas of women with PMS are negatively affected in their daily lives and its incidence is high, very few of them receive professional help and medical care. At the same time, their quality of life is also declining. It is known that women often resort to non-pharmacological methods instead of receiving professional health care, since PMS is considered to be a physiologically normal condition with a traditional point of view.In addition, undesirable effects of medical treatments in coping with PMS are not preferred by women because they bring many health risks. Women can use many non-invasive and risk-free integrated treatment methods (such as heat treatments, exercise, aromatherapy, phytotherapy, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, acupuncture, acupressure, yoga, progressive relaxation exercises, massage, relaxation techniques, reflexology, reiki) in coping with PMS. ) are more oriented. One of these methods, yoga, is a practice that includes deep breathing, meditation, stretching exercises and posture poses based on the unity of mind and body. It is emphasized that yoga exercises reverse the negative effects of stress on the immune system, improve inflammatory processes, reduce symptoms such as pain and insomnia, and improve quality of life, thanks to the balance, stretching, relaxation and strengthening components.In Yang and Kim's study with undergraduate nursing students with primary dysmenorrhea, a 60-minute yoga program was applied once a week for 12 weeks. As a result of the study, it was determined that menstrual pain decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group. Yonglitthipagon et al. found that yoga exercise applied to women with primary dysmenorrhea between the ages of 18-22 for 30 minutes twice a week for 12 weeks reduced menstrual pain and increased physical fitness and quality of life. It has also been reported in studies that progressive relaxation exercises have a reducing effect on depression, stress and anxiety. Yoga and progressive relaxation exercises are seen as a valuable approach for the management of PMS, which is very common in young women and has significant negative effects on academic participation, social activities and quality of life. Although it is concluded that yoga and progressive relaxation exercises are an effective method in the treatment of PMS in a significant part of the studies in the literature, it is mentioned that the data are insufficient in terms of method and methodology and the necessity of studies that can support the results. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of yoga and progressive muscle relaxation exercises on menstrual symptoms, depression, anxiety and stress in university students with premenstrual syndrome.