Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a condition that is developed generally because of the hormonal imbalance. It is believed that improper lifestyle choices and genetics determine the severity of the condition. Statistically, approximately 10% of women worldwide face this problem and no treatment can guarantee a 100% success or recovery rate. But an Ayurvedic treatment, on the other hand, can make sure that you are recovered in a natural and accurate way.
Polycystic Ovarian Disease is one of the major factors concerning female infertility. PCOS is a condition where hormonal imbalance affects follicular growth during the ovarian cycle, causing the affected follicles to remain in the ovary. The retained follicle forms into a cyst and with each ovarian cycle, a new cyst is formed leading to multiple ovarian cysts.
These bulged, fluid filled follicles gives a beaded appearance to the ovaries and causes irregular menstrual cycle, hirsutism, etc.
The causes of PCOD lies in the altered and unhealthy diet and lifestyle, which also includes – weight, genetics, daily routine, eating habits, sleep patterns and mental health. Usually, this condition is seen in women aged between 15-30 years.
Symptoms of PCOD –
- Irregular Menstruation
- Irritation
- Excessive Hunger
- Infertility
- Lethargy
- Constipation
- Hirsutism
- Mental Stress
- Obesity
- Receding Hairline
- Acne and Pimples
Ayurvedic Perspective
PCOD according to Ayurveda occurs due to malfunctioning of vata and kapha dosha. Ayurveda explains “Mithyaachar” as the main cause for any diseased condition related to uterus and its function. Mithya (inappropriate) + achar (activity) – indicates indulgence in food and activities (exercise, sleep, travel, etc) in incorrect manner.
As stated in Ayurveda –
“Nahi vatat rute yoni narinaam sampradushyati”
- Meaning no yonivaypad can occur without involvement of impaired vata dosha.
This mithyaachar causes aggravation of Vata dosha and initiates dushti in and around the uterus.
Along with this mithyachaar, lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle, suppression of urges, consuming junk food or excessive oily, and heavy to digest food, vitiates Kapha dosha and forms excess kleda. Excess kapha and kleda affects the Paachan (digestion) and weakens the jatharagni which leads to aam formation. This aam and Vitiated Kapha accumulates in rasa dhatu causing rasa dushti, and further due to its affinity towards meda dhatu, leads to meda dhatu dushti.
Rasa and Meda dhatu dushti is the prime cause for obesity, irritation, irregular menses, lethargy, stress, etc. which is commonly observed in PCOD.
Vitiated kapha causes obstruction in Artavavaha srotas and obstructs movements of vata – In normalcy Vata (Apan vayu – a sub type of vata) regulates the functioning of uterus i.e. ovulation, transfer of ovum from fallopian tubes to uterine cavity, initiation and ceasation of menstrual flow – This obstruction by aam and kapha causes irregular menses, scanty or heavy bleeding, unovulation, and ceasation of menstrual cycle for long period.
Sometimes the excess kapha and increased vata, hampers formation of endometrial lining due to altered consistency of raja dhatu. As a result there is delayed or irregular menses, associated with dysmenorrhea (pain) and clot formations.
Rasa dhatu nurtures and nourishes the succeeding dhatus, which ultimately has its impact on Shukra dhatu. Undernourished, or impaired rasa dhatu, indicates impairment in Shukra dhatu, resulting in hirsutism, infertility, dull skin, and loss of libido.
Management , Diet and Treatment for PCOD
PCOD is a condition which affects overall physical and mental health of the affected female. Hormonal medicines initiates menstrual flow for certain time period but does not correct the mechanism of ovarian cycle.
- The key to manage this condition lies in correction of lifestyle, proper exercise and indulging into healthy food habits.
- Have timely meals
- Eat naturally grown fruits and foods.
- Freshly prepared homemade food with right amount of ghee, cooked vegetables, dal nourishes the rasa dhatu.
- Avoid junk foods, stale, excessive dry, fried or preserved and processed foods.
- Milk products like cheese, khoya, paneer should also be avoided
- Include liquid foods like dal, buttermilk, curries, milk in your diet.
- Include seeded fruits and dry fruits like black currants, figs, dry dates.
- Avoid staying awake for late nights, and daytime sleep and other vata aggravating factors like excess travel on two wheelers, suppression of urges, tight clothing around waist, starving.
Exercise regularly. Concentrate on your lower body, this will improve circulation and functioning of your reproductive organs.
- Suryanamaskar and Yogasanas like – Badhakonasa (butterfly pose)
- Supta baddhakonasa (reclining butterfly pose)
- Ushtrasan (camel pose posture)
- Shalbhasan (locust pose posture)
- Chakki chalanasan
- Prasarit padottanasan
- Bhujangasan (Snake pose)
- Naukasan (boat pose)
Proves helpful to overcome PCOD. Pranayam helps to destress the body and re-establish the hormonal balance. It should be practiced under expert guidance.
- Medicinal treatment should be taken only after proper consultation by an Ayurvedic physician.
- Panchakarma procedures like Nasya, Vaman, Virechan and Basti is advised after diagnosing the exact cause and Samprapti (pathogenesis).
If you are diagnosed with PCOD? Don’t panic, take a step forward to implement a healthy lifestyle. Make the necessary changes as mentioned above. Consult an Ayurvedic Vaidya for proper diagnosis and ayurvedic treatment.