What Happens If I Do Inverse Poses Of Yoga During My Period?

Many yoga teachers advise against inverted poses such as headstand, handstand and shoulder stand during a women's monthly period. Health concerns include increased flow, cramping and even endometriosis. However, clear scientific evidence neither exists to support these risks nor informs an across the board avoidance of them. The bottom line, according to Timothy McCall, M.D. and author of "Yoga as Medicine," is to listen to your body before practicing inversions.

Endometriosis

In the past, yoga teachers believed that inversions increased the risk of endometriosis, a painful condition that can cause irregular bleeding and possible infertility. The theory was that going upside down caused 'retrograde menstruation,' reversing the flow of blood and causing endometriosis. According to "Yoga Journal," retrograde menstruation happens in most women, even those not practicing yoga inversions. However, most of these women never develop endometriosis.

Heavy Periods

Another theory is that inverting during your monthly cycle could result in heavier periods caused by a condition called vascular congestion. Since you are upside down and your flow is reversed, the uterine veins, which are already thin, could collapse and stretch, thus pumping more blood into your uterus. This risk is probably most relevant during long-held inversions and during the heaviest part of your cycle. If you are new to yoga, McCall suggests avoiding inversions during the first few days of your period.

Low Energy

For some women, their monthly period can be a time of low energy. Yoga teachers suggest the avoidance of high energy poses like inversions and to instead focus on more restorative poses. McCall recommends trying a supported bridge pose, which has the calming effects of shoulder stand without the risk of increasing flow.
Shakta Kaur Khalsa, author of "Yoga for Women," suggests avoiding backbends and abdominal poses, in addition to inversions, during a period. She suggests child's pose, pigeon and bound angle, as poses to help restore and relax.

Considerations

Regular exercise and relaxation, like yoga, can help manage menstrual symptoms. Some research even indicates that regular exercise can lengthen your monthly cycle, resulting in fewer periods. The most important consideration is your individual body and cycle. If your body is tired, listen to it and refrain from doing vigorous exercise. If you have any medical conditions, like endometriosis or painful periods, it is important to discuss possible negative outcomes with your doctor.