Perimenopause, the transitional phase when women’s bodies prepare to stop having menstrual cycles, and menopause, when periods stop permanently, are two natural stages in every woman’s life. However, as natural as it may be, this stage carries with it uncomfortable symptoms, such as hot flashes, insomnia, joint pain, and mood changes.
These symptoms can vary in intensity from one woman to another, and for many, they are only small nuances. However, in one way or another, they can all affect women’s quality of life, making them feel constantly tired or in pain, or even diminishing their joyfulness and overall well-being.
Nowadays, different treatments can help relieve these symptoms, from hormonal therapy to medication. However, for those looking to treat them naturally, there’s one wellness practice that has proven effective in improving and managing them: yoga.
A Natural Way to Relieve Menopause Symptoms
Many benefits of yoga are well known, but this one can be surprising to some, considering that perimenopause and menopause are hormone-driven. But as we know, hormones might be the ones leading this transition, but the symptoms are physical and mental. In other words, they can also be managed through lifestyle changes. And here’s where yoga can help, according to science.
A 2025 meta-analysis of 24 studies involving 2,028 women experiencing menopause concluded that yoga significantly improved menopausal symptoms in general, as well as sleep quality, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
As we’ve explained in previous articles, deep and focused breathing helps us achieve a state of calm and relaxation that improves our mood and regulates our body temperature, whilst the gentle exercises practiced during our yoga classes help strengthen our muscles, preserve our joint health, alleviate pain, and help us sleep better.
What’s the Best Yoga Style for Menopausal Transition?
Every yoga style has its benefits, but for this particular purpose, the better options are gentle yoga classes that help us stay cool and calm. At Prana Yoga Studio, we offer three classes that fit this objective:
- Yin Yoga. A serene practice that gently stretches the body, creating space for mindfulness and tranquility.
- Restorative Yoga. A class in a calming environment where, supported with blankets and bolsters, the body holds gentle poses for longer periods of time, encouraging deep release.
- Hatha Yoga. A traditional, active practice that focuses on slow, mindful poses and breathing techniques to cultivate relaxation, enhancing flexibility and coordination.
Gentle Relief at Prana Yoga Studio
At Prana Yoga Studio, we are committed to providing a supportive and relaxing environment for all students, regardless of their age or stage of life. If you’re looking for a natural way to manage menopausal symptoms, we’re ready to guide you with care and expertise.
Ready to experience yoga and feel better? Join us at Prana Yoga Studio in Imperial Valley!
Sources:
Wang H, Liu Y, Kwok JYY, Xu F, Li R, Tang J, Tang S, Sun M. The effectiveness of yoga on menopausal symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Int J Nurs Stud. 2025 Jan;161:104928. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2024.104928. Epub 2024 Oct 11. PMID: 39467491.