Poly cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or Poly cystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is on rise among younger generation in age group 15 to 40 years. The disease is said to affect urban population more than the rural one thus reflecting that it is mainly a Lifestyle disorder.  Sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits & poor immunity adds to its cause. If not timely controlled can lead to long term problems like Infertility, diabetes, hypertension &depression. Most women who suffer from PCOS develop cysts in their ovaries that is why it is called poly cystic. The cysts are not harmful but lead to hormonal imbalance and Anovulatory cycles. 

Primary symptoms include

  •  Irregular menstrual cycle, 
  • weight gain, 
  • Unwanted hair growth on face & Acne,
  •  Increased levels of male hormones,
  •  Thinning of scalp hair,
  •  Pigmentation of skin on neck area,
  • Irritability & depression.

PCOS /PCOD According to Ayurveda falls under Artavdusti (problem related to menstrual-cycle) and yonirogas ( uterine disorders).PCOS is thought to be caused by vitiation of mainly kapha Dosha blocking Pitta & Vata (Three Doshas which constitute our body). Ayurveda treatment focus on reducing excess kapha and cleaning obstruction of Vata and pitta with the help of Diet, Exercise&Herbal supplements.

Diet

  • Avoid sugary food & reduce salt intake.
  • Whole grains- whole wheat flour, jowar, bajra, ragi, oat, Brown rice should be taken.
  • Green leafy vegetables& fruits-  Make sure that you consume at least one seasonal fruit everyday. Vegetables like bitter gourd,drumsticks  are pungent,bitter n astringent so they reduce Kapha . Add iron rich food like spinach, broccoli, beetroot, carrots to your diet.
  •  Fresh curd,  paneer, sprouts and fermented food like idly, dosa is abundant in vitamin B12 and should be added to the diet.
  • Healthy fat-  Body needs fat to make hormones so take olive oil, Avocado, eggs, salmon,coconut oil, walnuts, flax seeds and nuts.Add desi ghee to your diet. If taken 1-2 tsp empty stomach does  wonders prefer taking  Desi cow ghee.
  • Moon charged water-  Ayurveda believes 28 days cycle of moon and 28 days menstrual cycle are interrelated. So to keep your menstrual cycle in sync with moon one should drink moon charged water empty stomach .This helps to overcome hormonal imbalance.
  •   Eat food rich in Plant estrogen to naturally restore oestrogen balance instead of taking hormonal pills- Soy,  carrots,garlic,onion, , sprouts and seeds like flax seed , pumpkin seeds .

Anti androgenic food- Fennel seeds,  Mint/ Pudina leaf water,   Basil/Tulsi  leaves reduce excess testosterone levels in the body and are anti inflammatory.  One can replace tea & coffee with green tea or herbal tea.

EXERCISE& YOGASANS

Exercise  at least 45 minutes daily.   Dhanurasana ,Ustrasana, Vajrasana, Vrikshasana ,Shalbhasana, Titliasans are few asans which should be practiced to overcome PCOD.

 HERBAL FORMULATIONS

Shatavari,  Ashoka are phytoestrols and bring oestrogen levels back to normal.They are useful in regularizing menstrual cycle and treating hormonal imbalance. 

Triphla- It pacifies all three doshas &heals PCOS by detoxifying& removing obstruction.It also regularizes weight gain. 

Giloy- Rasayan of Ayurveda lowers body insulin resistance & improves metabolism

Ashwgandha-It reduces stress & anxiety in women ,treats insomnia & boosts immunity.

Panchkarma

 Uttra basti with Ayurveda ghee like Phalaghrit is found very useful in treating PCOD. Nasya is also given  with medicinal oil n herbs in PCOD for proper functioning of Pituitary  gland.