AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN DISEASE (PCOD)
INTRODUCTION
Hormonal imbalance is a common problem nowadays. Lifestyle plays a very vital role in many aspects of health. The Gradual change in lifestyle, poor diet and declined rate of physical exercise are very common nowadays. Mostly younger people are prone to disorders related to hormone dysfunctions. Hormones are very important for the metabolism of minerals, fluid regulation, sexual functions and response to stress.
WHAT IS PCOD?
The Polycystic ovarian disease is a major cause of infertility. This disease is characterized by the formation of single or multiple cysts in ovaries which in turn causes irregular menstrual cycles. Size of ovary increases and it secretes androgen and estrogen hormones in great amount. This condition leads to the various problem associated with the menstrual cycle, fertility, cardiac health, and physical appearance.
Hormonal balance and genetics play important role in this disorder. There is overproduction of androgen and estrogen hormones. Generally, androgen is a male hormone but it is also the found in female body in very small quantity. But in this condition due to more production of this hormone, a cyst is formed in ovaries.
SYMPTOMS OF PCOD
Main symptoms may include:-
- Excessive weight gain
- Acne and pimple
- Extra growth of facial and body hair
- Thinning of scalp hair
- Depression and anxiety
- infertility
- Deep voice
- Breast size decreases
- Pelvic pain
- Irregulars menstruation
CAUSES OF PCOD
There is no particular cause responsible for this disease. Few factors may be responsible for this disease:-
- Family history
- Lifestyle
- Insulin resistance
- Overweight
- Fat and cholesterol related abnormalities
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Sleep apnea
DIAGNOSIS OF PCOD
- Physical examination
- Past history
- Symptoms
- Menstrual history
- Blood examination (FBS and lipid profile)
- Thyroid profile
- Ultrasonography ( abdominal and vaginal)
COMPLICATIONS OF PCOD
- Diabetes
- Cardiac complications
- Breast cancer
- Hypertension
- Depression
- Endometrial cancer
- High cholesterol
If it is detected in early stages then proper treatment reduces the risk of infertility, obesity, diabetes and heart attack
AYURVEDIC VIEW
PCOD is mainly a disorder associated with kapha dosha. In Ayurvedic point of view, all the three dosha play a vital role in the production of menses in females. The main function of vata is a movement of the follicle. The action of hormones is mainly due to pitta and cool quality of kapha dosha is responsible for the proper nutrition to the follicle.
PCOD is due to kapha blocking path of vata and pitta dosha. Firstly kapha affects jathraagni (digestive fire). Cysts are due to the accumulation of impurities and toxins in rasa and raktadhatu. Unhealthy lifestyle and history of poor diet generally found among the patients of PCOD. Excessive consumption of contraceptive pills also contributes to this disease.
GENERAL MEASURES FOR PCOD
- If you are overweight try to lose weight.
- Make a healthy pattern of eating.
- Avoid fatty diet and try to avoid packed and saturated food.
- Try to get physical activity and exercise every day.
- Spend quality time with family and friend for relaxation and avoid stress.
PCOS FAQ’s
1. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PCOS
The major symptoms include irregular periods, acne, excessive hair growth (Hirsutism) on body especially facial hair growth, obesity, hair-loss from the head, diabetes, tanning around the neck and underarm area and infertility.
2. IS PCOS LIFE-THREATENING?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder which can be further associated with a number of medical conditions such as Diabetes Mellitus (insulin resistance body), stroke, and cardiovascular disease. It can also be associated with endometrial and uterine cancer. So yes we can say the PCOS is a life-threatening disease to some extent.
3. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SPEARMINT TEA DURING PCOS?
Women with PCOS face hirsutism problem i.e. excessive hair growth on the face and other parts of the body. Spearmint Tea has an anti-androgenic effect which shows a good effect during PCOS. It reduces hair growth and prevents hirsutism. You should consume two cups of Spearmint Tea per day.
4. ARE FLAX SEEDS AND WALNUTS EFFECTIVE DURING PCOS?
Yes, both are a very good superfood for PCOS sufferer. Along with Omega-3 fatty acids flaxseeds also contains lignans, they are phytoestrogens or plant estrogens which decrease the amount of androgen, testosterone, the main reason for hirsutism and infertility in women. Walnuts also reduce the level of testosterone in PCOS patient.
5.IS AVOCADO GOOD FOR PCOS?
Yes. Avocado contains healthy fats and anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce the inflammation which further prevents the androgen production in women’s. Along with this Avocados increase the absorption of oil-based nutrients and carotenoids.
6. SHOULD I GO FOR GLUTEN-FREE AND REDUCE DAIRY PRODUCT CONSUMPTION?
Gluten and dairy products cause inflammation in their body, in this case. Removing it from your diet will definitely reduce the symptoms of PCOS. Dairy products have high estrogen concentration, so yes you should limit your dairy and gluten consumption.
7. WHY DOES PCOS KEEP ME FROM LOSING WEIGHT?
During PCOS your body becomes insulin resistance, and high insulin level increases the production of androgen which will lead to symptoms such as acne, hair growth, irregular periods, and weight gain. It will also increase the risk of diabetes mellitus and finally you are struggling with losing weight.
8. WILL TAKING THE PILLS HELP PCOS?
Many doctors suggest that you take birth control pills to manage your menstrual cycle but we recommend that instead of taking birth control pills you should opt for some ayurvedic medicine such as Anti-ovarian Cyst Pack which includes Chanderprabha Vati , Pradrantak Churna, and Kanchnaar Guggul. These are pure natural herbal medicines and have no side effects. Birth control pills sometimes cause severe side effects so you should avoid them.
9. WHAT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ARE GOOD FOR PCOS?
Food such as green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, kale, cabbage, capsicum, and collards), plenty of fish, nuts (almonds & walnuts) seeds (flaxseeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds), fruits (berries, oranges, avocados, apple etc), whole grains such as brown rice oats, poha, lentils, cereals etc. are beneficial. You should avoid fast foods, dairy products, pasta, momos, fried and highly processed food.
10. IS YOGURT GOOD FOR PCOS?
Yogurt and all dairy products should be avoided if you have allergies and sensitivity for them. I certainly recommended that you should avoid them at least for a few months and after that, you will definitely see some changes in your body.
11. IS PCOS SERIOUS?
If it is not treated, over time it can lead to some serious health issues such as infertility, diabetes, heart disorder, and even cancer in women. In PCOS the number of cyst formation can take place on your ovaries which further cause a drastic hormonal imbalance in your body.
12. CAN I GET PREGNANT WITH PCOS?
If you suffer from PCOS, it is hard to get pregnant, because during PCOS your periods get disturbed and there is no proper ovulation. But you don’t worry it’s not permanent you can cure it with the help of some herbal medicines which are offered by Planet Ayurveda such as Chanderprabha Vati , Pradrantak Churna, and Kanchnaar Guggul.
13. WHAT IS THE MAIN CAUSE OF PCOS?
The main cause behind this disease is bad eating habits, obesity, insulin resistance, and genes. Yes, studies show that PCOS runs in families. Due to these the androgen level in your body increase and it will leads to appearance of PCOS Symptoms.
