Iyengar Yoga Therapy for Dysmenorrhea and Endometriosis

The purpose of this clinical trial is to look at the effectiveness of prescribing yoga classes to patients with dysmenorrhea (irregular or painful periods), or other menstrual disorders on patients' self reported pain and quality of life. Patients will be recruited from primary care clinics around Illinois, including Carle Hospital. This is a randomized trial in which patients will first be randomized into the control or intervention group. Patients in the control group will undergo usual care and be surveyed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months. Patients in the control group will be offered the 3 months of yoga therapy complimentary after completing the 9 month control. Control patients who choose to participate in the yoga therapy will be asked to also complete the surveys at the end of the 3 month yoga intervention. Patients in the intervention group will first undergo 3 months of regular care and then 3 months of biweekly yoga classes. Participants will complete surveys at baseline, 3 months (after of control care), 6 months (after 3 months of biweekly yoga classes), 9 months, and 12 months (after 6 months of observation and optional yoga practice).

Sex

Female

Minimum age

12 Years

Maximum age

65 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* The inclusion criteria for the proposed study is any menstruating female with dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, or any menstrual disorder. (Ages 12-65)

Exclusion Criteria:

* The exclusion criteria any one who has not reached menarche (age of menstruation) or who has reached menopause (no longer menstruates). This age range of exclusion is roughly defined as anyone younger than 12 and older than 65. Pregnant individuals are not eligible to participate in this study.