Best ayurveda treatment for PCOS in Kerala
Polycystic ovarian Syndrome [PCOS] has become a popular term among us. The worldwide prevalence of polycystic ovarian syndrome ranges from 2.2 to 26%. WHO data suggests that approximately 5.5% to 12.5% women are affected by PCOS globally. Statistics reveal that, in India, 1 out of every 5 women in the reproductive age are diagnosed with PCOS. Ignorance of this issue may lead to severe health problems with complication in future.
What is PCOS ?
PCOS is a life style disorder, which is mainly due to imbalance in the hormones that happen during the reproductive period. PCOS is a group of symptoms that occur together in a disease. Normal Menstrual cycle occurs once in 28-30 days, which is controlled by bodily hormones. Changes in the hormone level adversely affect the regular cycle.
During the normal menstrual cycle, the human egg develops in the ovary and It grows and get
matured during the first half of the menstrual cycle and then is released into one of the fallopian tubes to be carried to the uterus, where it awaits fertilization by the sperm. This release of the egg from the ovary is termed as ovulation. Irregular menstrual cycles are caused by the failure of ovulation, otherwise called as An ovulation which is the main problem in PCOS. This lack of ovulation will result in difficulty conceiving and infertility.
Causes of PCOS ?
The actual cause of PCOS is still unidentified.However, any of the below factors may be considered as the cause of PCOS.
- Hormonal imbalance : Many women with PCOS have high levels of insulin in their blood, a condition called hyperinsulinism. The problem with high levels of insulin is that they stimulate the ovaries to produce large amounts of male hormones known as androgens and will result in some significant symptoms like increased facial and body hair growth, male pattern baldness, acne etc.
- Genetic association :
PCOS is a genetically heterogeneous syndrome in which the genetic contribution remains
incompletely analyzed and it usually arises from an interaction of genetic and environmental factors.
Common symptoms of PCOS
Menstrual abnormalities
• Absence of menstruation
• Heavy menstrual flow
• Irregular menstruation
• scanty menstruation etc Infertility
- Change in the Appearance:
• Weight gain, over-weight, obesity;
• Dark patches of skin, especially in folds and
creases
• Acne
• Unwanted hair growth on face, chest etc
• Hair loss on scalp - Mental factors:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Eating disorders
• Sleep apnoea
How is PCOS diagnosed in Ayurveda ?
In Ayurveda classics, kashtarthava, nashtartava, artava kshaya, diseases can be corelated with PCOS. When it comes to diagnosis, Ayurveda uses mainly 3 principles viz. Darshana pareeksha [ visual perception], Sparshana pareeksha [palpation], Prashna pareeksha[interrogation]
1. Darshana pareeksha:
By this one doctor can realise the symptoms like
- Acne
- Hirsutism etc
2. Sparshana pareeksha [palpation]
Pelvic exam. During a pelvic exam, doctor may check your reproductive organs for masses, growths or other changes.
3. Nadee pareeksha:
It is an Ayurveda technique used for diagnosis of a treatment. Usually nadi or pulse of a PCOS patient will be kapha – medo predominant. And it differs among patients.
4. Prashna pareeksha [interrogation]
Doctor may start with a discussion of symptoms, medications and any other medical conditions. And he/she also may ask about the menstrual periods and any weight changes.
There’s no single test to specifically diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A physical exam includes checking for signs of excess hair growth, insulin resistance and acne.
Most doctors recommend:
1. Blood tests.
Blood tests can measure hormone levels. By checking this, we can exclude possible causes of menstrual problems or higher level of androgen that mimic PCOS. The tests such as fasting cholesterol and triglyceride levels are also beneficial. A glucose tolerance test can measure your body’s response to sugar (glucose).
2. Ultrasound scanning
An USG can check the appearance of ovaries and the thickness of the lining of the uterus. If you have a diagnosis of PCOS, your provider might recommend more tests for complications. These tests can include: Regular checks of blood pressure, glucose tolerance, and cholesterol and triglyceride levels, Screening for depression and anxiety, Screening for obstructive sleep apnoea.
What is the Ayurvedic diet plan and regimen for PCOS treatment ?
We all know that PCOS is a lifestyle disorder. So a best Ayurveda treatment for PCOS always include proper diet and regimen for reversing the underlying pathology.
Regimen includes:
- Sleep : Proper sleep at right time and awake early in the morning will help to maintain biological clock and aids in proper hormonal action.
- Exercise : Sedentary lifestyle is a real cause of PCOS. So always keep the body active and do proper exercise. A minimum of half an hour exercise, preferably lower abdominal exercise will be very much helpful.
- Stress relieving activities: Since stress is a main cause of hormonal imbalance in the body, those who suffer from PCOS must try to practice Yoga, meditation, laughing therapy, hearing music, playing games, talking to dear ones etc. will help to keep mind calm. It will help to maintain a healthy hormonal action in the body.
- Diet: Balanced diet is very essential for keeping a healthy body. In case of PCOS insulin resistance is one of the main culprits. So, limiting sugar and low-fat diet should take into consideration.
Wholesome diet |
Unwholesome diet |
Freshly cooked food Protein rich food like whole grains Fibre rich fruits and vegetables Leafy vegetables Brown rice Oats, barley, flax, chia, sunflower seeds Nuts Green tea |
Baked items High sugar containing food items High fat diet Fast food Fried items Processed food Packaged snacks Frozen food Carbonated drinks Sugary fruit juice |
Why Ayurveda best for curing PCOS ?
Now a days Best Ayurveda treatment for PCOS is available in Kerala, for the successful containment of PCOS. Moreover, Ayurveda Approaches a disease in a holistic way. As an ancient science, Ayurveda always emphasized on the complete recovery of a disease i.e., complete eradication of a disease from its roots. For a complete recovery, both physical and mental aspects should be given top most priority. This is possible by means of shodhana chikitsa [purificatory therapy] and shamana chikitsa [pacifying treatment]. By considering the doshic state of both Roga & Rogi, internal medications are suggested. Purificatory therapies are must for removing underlying pathology and complete removal of a disease.
We, MVR Ayurveda provides best Ayurveda treatment for PCOS in Kerala. We are really proud enough to announce that we have a panel of experts in treating Gynaecological conditions.
Vamana [Emesis], Virechana [purgation] are suggested initially by considering the constitution and doshic predominance of patient and disease respectively. And then gradually move onto the next stage of treatment either internal medication or mild shodhana procedures.
Author : Dr Namitha V Haridas MS (Ayu) Assistant Professor , Dept of Prasooti Tantra & stri roga.