Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disorder that is found in females of reproductive age. Although PCOS causes are not fully known, it is quite evident that in this disease, the body starts to produce excessive levels of androgens (male reproductive hormone) in the body. It leads to the development of follicles inside the ovaries that form into cysts and cause PCOS. This disease can interfere with the growth and release of eggs, and therefore, may cause a hindrance in conceiving.
Ayurveda describes PCOS as a Kapha disorder. In Kapha disorders, movements are suppressed and metabolism is reduced, leading to an obstruction in the balanced flow of liquids in the body. Therefore, Ayurvedic treatment of PCOS involves dietary and lifestyle changes that help in balancing hormones and pacifying Kapha Dosha in the body. Ayurvedic treatment for PCOS has been proven very effective to fight the disease and prevent its complications.
Symptoms of PCOS:
The following can be the PCOS Symptoms:
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Acne on face, chest and upper back
- Heavy bleeding during menstruation
- Excess hair growth on face and body
- Weight gain or obesity
- Headaches and migraines
Complications Caused Due to PCOS:
- PCOS can lead to infertility in females as it obstructs the growth and release of eggs in the body.
- It can lead to the development of many chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
- It can also raise the risk of sleep apnea, especially if the person also suffers from obesity.
- PCOS obstructs ovulation, which causes the uterine lining to thicken. This may increase the risk of getting endometrial cancer.
- The hormonal changes that take place in PCOS can lead to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
Ayurvedic Herbs for PCOS:
Many herbs in Ayurveda help to fight PCOS by regulating the menstrual cycle and correcting hormonal imbalance. They also effectively prevent PCOS complications such as diabetes and infertility. Some of these herbs are:
Ashwagandha
One of the leading causes of PCOS is stress, which is caused due to a hormone called cortisol. Ashwagandha effectively helps in reducing the levels of cortisol in the body and hence, aids in the treatment of PCOS.
Kanchnar Guggulu
Kanchnar Guggulu is an Ayurvedic formulation that is vastly used to treat PCOS. It helps to detoxify the body, treat menstrual disorders such as ovulation, maintain hormonal imbalance and regulate the menstrual cycle.
Turmeric
Curcumin present in turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties that help in the treatment of PCOS. It is also highly effective in reducing insulin resistance in the body and detoxifying the female reproductive system.
Guduchi
Guduchi is one of the best Ayurvedic herbs to boost the reproductive health of females. It is highly beneficial in the treatment of PCOS as it helps to correct hormonal imbalance, reduce inflammation and regulate the menstrual cycle.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the best Ayurvedic herbs to prevent and fight against PCOS. Cinnamon enhances insulin sensitivity in the body, boosts fertility and regulates menstrual cycles for women with PCOS.
Punarnava
Punarnava is a highly effective Ayurvedic herb that aids in the treatment of PCOS. It helps to improve blood circulation, improve insulin sensitivity, correct hormonal imbalance and boost fertility.
Shatavari
Shatavari is considered to be the best herb in Ayurveda for the treatment of various reproductive disorders. In the case of PCOS, Shatavari is highly beneficial in maintaining and balancing hormone levels, preventing the development of new cysts and regulating the menstrual cycle. It also helps to boost ovarian health in the body.
Shilajit
Shilajit has strong anti-inflammatory properties that have been proven highly effective in the treatment of PCOS. Females who suffer from PCOS generally face an iron deficiency. Shilajit helps to boost the iron levels in the body as well as rejuvenate the reproductive health of the females.
Ayurvedic Therapies for PCOS
Ayurvedic treatment of PCOS may also involve therapies along with herbal remedies. Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic therapy that helps to detoxify the body and treat many diseases and disorders. It has also been proven highly beneficial in the treatment of PCOS. Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), Basti (enema) are a few of the most effective Panchakarma therapies for treating PCOS. They help to boost reproductive health, improve fertility, correct hormonal imbalance and regulate the menstrual cycle in females.
Ayurvedic Guidelines to Prevent PCOS
Eat a healthy diet: Avoid foods that can aggravate Kapha in the body. You should include more fruits and vegetables in your diet and reduce the intake of salt.
Include Yoga in your lifestyle: Yoga helps to facilitate metabolism in the body. Many Yoga Asanas can aid in the treatment of PCOS such as Setu Bandhasana, Dhanurasana, Shavasana and Butterfly pose.
Stress management: Stress and anxiety are one of the leading causes of hormonal imbalance. Therefore, you should meditate regularly to prevent PCOS. Pranayamas also help in dealing with PCOS and its complications.
Takeaway:
Ayurvedic treatment of PCOS is a holistic approach to fight the disease as well as prevent further complications. There are many herbs that aid in the treatment of PCOS. Most of these herbs regulate the menstrual cycle, maintain and balance hormones, detoxify the body and boost fertility. However, you must consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner before using any of these herbs. The treatment of PCOS differs from person to person. Therefore, consulting an Ayurvedic doctor is a must. Ayurvedic treatment of PCOS can also be accompanied by various therapies, dietary regulations and lifestyle changes. They help to manage and treat the disease well.
FAQs:
Can PCOS ever be cured?
The symptoms of PCOS can be controlled, even though the condition cannot be treated.
What foods to avoid with PCOS?
To properly manage PCOS, one should avoid fried foods, processed foods, and saturated fats like butter.
