What is PCOS? PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal condition affecting women in their reproductive age. It is one of the main causes of infertility. Almost 52% of women in India complain of PCOS. The duration of Ayurveda treatment for PCOS takes anywhere between 3 months to 6 months with no recurrence. PCOS and PCOD are one and the same; just that PCOS is a recent name given to PCOD after it was discovered that it is not just a single disease, but a complex manifestation of many factors. The different factors are Irregular periods Excess androgen – excess facial and body hair Face/body acne Obesity Weight gain around abdomen/hips Multiple cysts in ovaries revealed on ultrasound According to modern science, the exact cause is of PCOS is unknown. Certain hypotheses are genetic predisposition, obesity and excess insulin. However, ancient Ayurvedic texts have mentions of the different causes of it. Causes of PCOS according to Ayurveda According to Ayurveda, there are different causes of PCOS. These include: Vata, Pitta and Kapha accumulation Sleep irregularities, staying up late and day napping Overconsumption of drying foods, Vidahi foods, such as samosa, burgers, extremely spicy foods and skipping meals Holding natural urges of the body Impaired digestion Stress, overthinking and constant worry Kaphavrita Koshta – Gastrointestinal tract with high Kapha covering due to eating sugary foods and junk foods Ayurveda treatment of PCOS Moreover, Ayurveda considers PCOS as Atava Dushti, which translates to menstrual abnormality. This happens due to the vitiation of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. However, the highs and lows of vitiation vary from patient to patient. Treatment protocol 1 Vihara (lifestyle) Sleep is the most important parameter to be corrected as sleep irregularities are one of the main causes as per Ayurveda. Moderate exercise to half of one‚ as strength and capacity is ideal. They do not advise extreme, strenuous workouts. Moreover, meditation, along with breathing exercises like Kapalbhati, as well as daily Abhyanga (oil massages), are particularly helpful. Treatment Protocol 2 Ahara (food) A customized diet that balances the vitiated Doshas is ideal. E.g., if the patient presents with PCOS due to excess Kapha imbalance, the diet should be light. While for PCOS due to excess Vata imbalance, the diet should be nourishing. Reducing inflammatory foods, like black gram, yoghurt, and nightshades, like capsicum, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, etc. will help. Overall, having light easily digestible well-cooked foods with good fats added is important. Treatment Protocol 3 Internal medicines In my practice, for most cases of PCOS that come to me, I do not usually prescribe medicines. I put them on a three-month diet and routines protocol based on their imbalance; consequently, they get better. In cases where internal medicines are required, there are, indeed, no one-size-fits-all solutions in Ayurveda. Moreover, each individual’s unique constitution and specific health needs must be considered. If you are suffering from PCOS, you can take our three-month Reversal Program. You can also join our other Health Programs for mind and body detox. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital. You can also follow me on Instagram. … Continue reading PCOS as per Ayurveda
