Postpartum Yoga Recovery – new mom doing gentle breath-led yoga at home

Yoga for PCOS & PCOD: 6 Gentle Poses to Naturally Restore Hormonal Health

Yoga for PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), also commonly known as PCOD, is becoming one of the most trusted natural approaches for women seeking to manage symptoms and restore inner harmony. PCOS/PCOD is increasingly common among women of reproductive age, often bringing irregular cycles, mood changes, weight fluctuations, acne, hair growth, and fertility challenges.

While medication and lifestyle changes play a role, yoga offers something unique — a calming yet powerful way to bring your hormonal system back into balance. These six gentle yoga poses focus on reducing stress, improving blood circulation, and stimulating key endocrine glands that support reproductive health. With consistent practice, yoga can help ease symptoms, regulate cycles, and bring a deeper sense of well-being.

⚠️ This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for personalized guidance.

Yoga for PCOD Hormone Balance – Woman doing gentle yoga pose in warm natural light
Gentle daily yoga practice can support hormonal balance and ease PCOD symptoms.

🌿 How Yoga Helps Regulate Hormones Naturally

PCOS and PCOD are hormonal disorders involving imbalances in androgens, insulin, and luteinizing hormone (LH). These disruptions affect ovulation and can lead to irregular menstrual cycles. Chronic stress further compounds the issue by elevating cortisol, which can throw off the delicate hormonal rhythm even more.

Yoga provides a holistic, non-invasive way to support the body’s natural healing:

  • Lowers stress and cortisol levels

  • Improves insulin sensitivity

  • Stimulates endocrine glands

  • Enhances pelvic blood flow

👉 Practicing yoga daily — even gently — can bring visible change. The key is listening to your body and avoiding any forceful movements, especially if you’re new to yoga.


🧘 1. Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana) – Boosts Reproductive Health

Butterfly Pose for PCOS & PCOD Hormone Balance – seated woman in yoga studio
Butterfly Pose opens the hips and stimulates reproductive organs.

This seated pose gently stretches the hips, inner thighs, and pelvic area while increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs.

Steps:

  1. Sit on the floor with your spine straight.

  2. Bring the soles of your feet together, letting knees drop outward.

  3. Hold your feet with your hands and gently flap knees like butterfly wings.

  4. Breathe slowly and stay for 1–2 minutes.

Benefits:

  • Improves pelvic circulation

  • Stimulates ovaries and reproductive glands

  • Eases menstrual discomfort and supports regular cycles

👉 Beginner Tip: If you have tight hips, sit on a folded blanket or cushion to keep your spine tall and reduce strain.
👉 Ideal warm-up pose before other asanas.


🧍‍♀️ 2. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) – Boosts Thyroid and Pelvic Health

Bridge Pose for PCOS & PCOD Hormone Balance – woman lifting hips in yoga studio
Bridge Pose boosts thyroid and pelvic health naturally.

Bridge Pose is excellent for opening the chest, improving blood flow to the thyroid, and strengthening the lower back and core.

Steps:

  1. Lie on your back, knees bent, feet hip-width apart.

  2. Press feet into floor, lift hips upward.

  3. Clasp hands beneath your back, stretch arms.

  4. Keep neck relaxed, chin tucked.

  5. Hold for 5–10 breaths, then lower down.

Benefits:

  • Stimulates thyroid gland

  • Increases pelvic & abdominal circulation

  • Strengthens glutes and back

👉 Beginner Tip: Place a yoga block or folded towel under your head if your neck feels strained. You can also rest a block under your lower back for a supported variation.
👉 Regular practice helps balance hormonal functions.


🐱 3. Cat–Cow Stretch (Marjariasana–Bitilasana) – Improves Blood Flow & Relieves Stress

Cat–Cow Stretch for PCOS & PCOD Hormone Balance – woman arching spine on all fours
Cat–Cow Stretch boosts circulation and relieves stress.

A gentle spinal movement that boosts circulation to abdominal and reproductive organs.

Steps:

  1. Come onto all fours.

  2. Inhale — drop belly, lift chest and tailbone (Cow).

  3. Exhale — round spine, tuck chin and tailbone (Cat).

  4. Flow with breath for 1–2 minutes.

Benefits:

  • Improves uterine & ovarian blood flow

  • Releases lower back tension

  • Balances adrenal activity, reduces stress

👉 Keep movements slow and never force your range — comfort is key.


🐍 4. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) – Supports Adrenal & Ovarian Function

Cobra Pose for PCOS & PCOD Hormone Balance – gentle backbend on mat
Cobra Pose stimulates adrenal and ovarian function.

Cobra stimulates adrenal glands and opens the chest, improving blood flow to the lower abdomen.

Steps:

  1. Lie on stomach, palms under shoulders.

  2. Inhale, gently lift chest.

  3. Keep shoulders away from ears, gaze forward.

  4. Hold 15–30 sec, then release.

Benefits:

  • Stimulates adrenal & ovarian function

  • Enhances digestion & pelvic circulation

  • Boosts energy and posture

👉 Beginner Tip: Even a small lift is beneficial — don’t push or strain your lower back. Keep elbows slightly bent if needed.


🙏 5. Child’s Pose (Balasana) – Calms the Nervous System

Child’s Pose for PCOS & PCOD Hormone Balance – woman resting forward on mat
Child’s Pose calms the nervous system and relieves stress.

A restorative pose that releases physical and emotional tension.

Steps:

  1. Kneel, bring big toes together, sit on heels.

  2. Separate knees, fold forward, forehead on mat.

  3. Extend arms forward or by sides.

  4. Breathe slowly 1–3 minutes.

Benefits:

  • Reduces cortisol

  • Stretches hips & back

  • Encourages deep relaxation

👉 Excellent to rest between active poses or end your session.


🌸 6. Reclined Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) – Restorative & Hormone-Balancing

Reclined Bound Angle Pose for PCOS & PCOD Hormone Balance – restorative supported pose
Reclined Bound Angle Pose supports relaxation and hormone balance.

A deeply relaxing posture supporting hormonal rebalancing.

Steps:

  1. Lie on back, bring soles together, knees open.

  2. Place cushions under knees for support.

  3. Rest hands on belly or sides.

  4. Close eyes and breathe 3–5 minutes.

Benefits:

  • Relaxes pelvic muscles

  • Activates parasympathetic response

  • Encourages hormonal regulation

👉 Ideal for bedtime relaxation.


🌼 Lifestyle Tips to Enhance Yoga’s Effect on PCOS & PCOD

  • Prioritize 7–8 hours of sleep

  • Stay hydrated

  • Eat balanced, whole foods

  • Practice daily — even 15 mins

  • Add mindfulness or pranayama

👉 You can also read our Bone and Joint Health After 50 – 7 Expert Tips for Stronger Bones & Joints for more holistic wellness inspiration.


🌺 Final Thoughts

Managing PCOS & PCOD naturally is a journey of patience and consistency. Yoga offers a gentle yet powerful way to support hormonal rhythms, reduce stress, and restore balance.

Start slowly, listen to your body, and use props whenever needed — comfort is key. Over time, these gentle practices can make a meaningful difference in your well-being.

👉 Start your yoga journey today — your body will thank you.


📚 References

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