As per Anjenay Agarwal, Ayurveda Specialist and Director of Royal Bee Natural Products, Ayurveda takes a comprehensive perspective when dealing with the fundamental hormonal irregularities associated with PCOS. It places significant emphasis on harmonizing the body’s doshas, especially Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has become a growing concern among adolescent girls and women of reproductive age, affecting various aspects of their lives, from menstrual cycles to childbearing. It’s estimated that PCOS affects 8 to 13 percent of reproductive-aged women, as per the World Health Organization.
While lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercising, reducing stress, and managing weight can help with PCOS management, Ayurveda has gained recognition as a potential approach to address this condition.
Anjenay Agarwal, an Ayurveda Expert and Director of Royal Bee Natural Products, emphasizes that Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to tackle the underlying hormonal imbalances in PCOS. It places particular importance on balancing the body’s doshas, especially Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Dr. Priya Chauhan, another Ayurveda Expert from The Ayurveda Co, supports this perspective, noting that Ayurveda not only treats the physical symptoms but also considers emotional and lifestyle factors. This comprehensive approach ensures that PCOS treatment targets the root causes, ultimately promoting long-term well-being.
In contrast to conventional treatments that frequently involve hormonal medications, Dr. Chauhan explains that Ayurveda avoids such drugs, thus reducing the risk of common hormonal treatment side effects like weight gain and mood swings. Instead, it employs herbal medicines to correct hormonal imbalances, offering a more natural and sustainable solution.
Additionally, Dr. Astha Lalwani from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at TMU Hospital in Moradabad suggests that adopting an Ayurvedic diet and engaging in yoga practices to manage weight and adopt healthy eating habits—such as incorporating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and avoiding saturated fats, refined sugars, and excessive salt—can help reduce insulin resistance and lower the androgen hormones responsible for PCOS.
Ayurveda incorporates various key principles to manage PCOS effectively. One vital aspect is enhancing digestive function. Dr. Chauhan explains, “Ayurveda focuses on enhancing digestive fire (Deepana) and the digestion process (Pachana Karma). This not only aids in better nutrient absorption but also contributes to hormonal balance by ensuring the body receives the necessary nutrients.”
Addressing Sroto Avarodha, which involves removing blockages in the body’s channels, is another crucial principle. “Panchakarma therapies (cleansing techniques) like Virechana (a purging substance) are employed for this purpose. By clearing these obstructions, Ayurveda facilitates effective hormone regulation,” Dr. Chauhan adds.
Furthermore, Ayurveda recommends Rasayana medicines, comprising rejuvenating herbs and formulations, to promote overall health and vitality in individuals with PCOS. These medicines support the body in recovering and maintaining its balance.
Dr. Chauhan highlights that Ayurveda acknowledges the significance of addressing specific dosha imbalances (e.g., Vata, Pitta, Kapha) that may contribute to PCOS. Tailoring treatments to individual dosha profiles ensures a personalized and effective approach. Lifestyle modifications, known as Nidan Parivarjan, are integral to Ayurvedic PCOS management, including avoiding causative factors such as junk food, oily meals, excessive sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle.
While Ayurveda can be effective in managing PCOS, it may not always be a standalone solution for obtaining final results. According to Dr. Astha Lalwani, in the later stages of life, when women experience difficulty conceiving, allopathic preparations may need to be added. Insulin-sensitizing agents like metformin and D-chiro Myoinositol might be prescribed to reduce excess insulin and male hormones in such cases.
In situations involving excessive bleeding and irregular menstrual cycles, hormone pills may be necessary to regulate the menstrual cycle and decrease blood loss.
Additionally, Ayurvedic treatments may not provide rapid symptom relief compared to traditional treatments. Ayurveda often requires time and patience, and significant improvements may not be immediate. Some individuals may prefer faster-acting interventions.
It’s essential to address PCOS ideally in its early stages. Delayed diagnosis or neglecting initial symptoms can make treatment more challenging and potentially lead to complications such as infertility. Therefore, early detection and prompt attention are crucial for optimal outcomes when using Ayurveda for PCOS management, as stated by Dr. Priya Chauhan.
In conclusion, the effectiveness of Ayurvedic medicines can vary from person to person. For more effective PCOS management, it’s essential to consult a healthcare practitioner who can develop a comprehensive treatment plan that combines Ayurveda with other proven therapies, according to Anjenay Agarwal.
