Weight gain, irregular period cycles, excessive hair growth, and acne are the most common symptoms of PCOS.
As per a small survey conducted, about 28% of women who had PCOS had been medically diagnosed with PCOS, whereas about 40% showed symptoms of the syndrome.
This article will study the ayurvedic treatment for PCOS.
What Is PCOS?
Better known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, PCOS is the condition of hormonal imbalance among females. The condition is seen during the reproductive phase, i.e., after puberty. Globally, it affects around 20% of women and results in primary and secondary infertility among them.
The condition results from higher levels of testosterone, particularly androgens. This condition results in elevated levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH). Due to this, the production of FSH decreases which prevents follicles from maturing into eggs. It ultimately results in anti-ovulatory phases, i.e., irregular menstruation cycles among vagina owners.
These hormonal shifts that result in PCOS usually begin at an early age, soon after the female hits puberty. It continues for a long thereafter, intensifying progressively. The weight gain period is the initiation of the period where symptoms show clear signs of PCOS condition.
Excessive hair development in male patterns is one of the basic symptoms of this condition. The condition is also called Hirsutism.
The condition of PCOS is categorised into two types:
- Symptomatic
- Asymptomatic
Symptoms of PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome condition has a number of symptoms that are evident after the weight gain phase. Some of these symptoms have been listed below:
1. Irregularity in Periods
In the condition of PCOS, ovulation does not occur, due to which the menstruation cycle is absent. Due to this, the uterine lining does not shed every month.
2. Excessive Hair Growth
The condition of Hirsutism is the most basic and commonly identified symptom of PCOS. Excessive hair growth on the belly, back, face, hands, and legs are seen in more than 70 per cent of women with PCOS.
3. Weight Gain
More than 80% of women undergo weight gain due to this condition.
4. Acne
Sometimes, females may observe more than the normal amount of acne. This acne is observed on the face, chest, and back skin areas.
5. Darkening of Skin
PCOS causes dark patches on the groin area, under the breasts, and on facial skin. These dark areas stand out on the skin.
6. Headaches and Baldness
Headaches are quite common in women with PCOS. Also, female-pattern baldness is observed. The scalp skin gets thinner and falls off successively.
What Is the Ayurvedic Treatment for PCOS?
The medical science of Ayurveda consists of lifestyle changes, therapies, diet changes, and some herbal medications. All of these together bring about a positive change in PCOS conditions.
Use of Herbs for PCOS
There may be several kinds of herbs to be used for PCOS. However, the general types that are used for maintaining a proper balance of hormones in the female body have been discussed below:
1. Ashwagandha
Also known by the name Winter Cherry, the herb Ashwagandha effectively balances stress and cortisol levels. As a result, it helps avoid hormonal imbalances due to these conditions. As per studies, stress has an adverse effect on the human body’s hormone levels.
2. Cinnamon
As per a 2014 study, cinnamon was found to regulate menstrual cycles among females by managing insulin levels. Studies have shown that high insulin levels might cause irregular periods.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric has the active ingredient curcumin, which is responsible for its yellow colour. Apart from this, the ingredient is also known to decrease insulin resistance.
Use of Ayurvedic Therapies for PCOS
Therapies for PCOS conditions using Ayurveda can help manage the condition's symptoms. A study in 2012 also showed the 12-week yoga program, which helps reduce anxiety-related issues in adolescent females.
Various therapies, meditation, and breathing exercises like pranayamas and asanas help relieve the PCOS condition.
The therapy of Panchakarma is known to act on the root causes of the PCOS condition. It helps remove toxins from the body and eventually helps treat PCOS. The therapy provides power to the sexual organs such as the uterus, fallopian tube ovaries, etc. It helps maintain a hormonal balance in the female body.
Further several asanas are useful for getting relief from the PCOS condition. Some of these poses for ayurvedic treatment of PCOS are as under:
- Reclining Butterfly Pose Supta Baddha (Konasana)
- Bharadwaja Twist Pose (Bharadvajasana)
- Corpse Pose (Savasana)
- Mill Churning Pose (Chakkichalanasana)
These poses relieve stress. As a result, the hormone balance reaches equilibrium levels, hence helping with the PCOS condition.
Also, changes in diet could help ease the symptoms of the PCOS condition. The dietary practices suggested for PCOS patients include:
- Reducing salt intake
- Consume more fruits, whole grains, and vegetables
- Avoid refined sugar and artificial sugar
- Eat less saturated food items
Ayurvedic Treatment for PCOS Subfertility
Subfertility is the condition where a female cannot conceive despite trying to get pregnant. In this condition, the follicles are unable to mature into eggs. As a result, the female does not get pregnant. It is counted as one of the symptoms of PCOS.
Although there is no scientific evidence of Ayurveda treating the condition of PCOS, there are some studies that claim its effectiveness.
As per a study that was carried out on 40 people with PCOS conditions, a 6-month program could help increase the chances of conceiving. It consisted of the below-mentioned procedures:
- Shodhana (Helps in detoxification and purification procedures)
- Shamana (Palliative treatments that help relieve the discomfort)
- Tarpana (Offerings to deities)
Further, in another 2017 study, the process of Vamana Karma (medical emesis or medical vomiting) is useful. It must be followed by administering Ikshvaku seed powder and, after that, Shatapushpa Ghanvati. This procedure is known to increase the chances of conception.
Talk With a Doctor Before Trying Ayurvedic Treatment
Before taking on any treatment like Ayurveda or other alternative treatments, always consult your doctor. The doctor will know your present health conditions, allergies, and the best suitable treatment for your body type. The doctor will prepare a customised plan for your PCOS condition.
Summing Up on Ayurvedic Treatment for PCOS
PCOS is a common condition of hormonal imbalance found in females. The symptoms start showing from a young age. They include excessive hair growth, irregularities in menstrual cycles, and a lot more.
The condition could be solved by using some therapies and herbal medications and altering dietary practices. Remember, before beginning any therapy or medications, always consult a doctor.
References
- Meena Ramanathan, April 2017; Effect of a 12-week yoga therapy program on mental health status in elderly women inmates of a hospice - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5225740/
- Rogerio A. Lobo, M.D, July 2017; The effect of cinnamon extract on insulin resistance parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome: a pilot study - https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(06)04555-9/fulltext
- S. A. Dayani Siriwardene, March 2010; Clinical efficacy of Ayurveda treatment regimen on Subfertility with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215317/
- Kamini Balasaheb Bhingardive, December 2017; Clinical efficacy of Vamana Karma with Ikshwaaku Beeja Yoga followed by Shatapushpadi Ghanavati in the management of Artava Kshaya w. s. r to polycystic ovarian syndrome - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6153915/
