PCOS and Its Impact on Women’s Health

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is indeed a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. The condition is characterised by a combination of symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries. These hormonal imbalances can disrupt the normal ovulation process, where a mature egg is released from the ovary, ready for fertilisation. If untreated, PCOS can lead to more serious health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and infertility.

Herbal Remedies and Their Benefits for PCOS

In order to detect early signs of declining health, it is crucial for women to be vigilant and proactive. Embracing a holistic approach can be key to naturally rejuvenating their lives. Ayurvedic medicine, which has been practised for centuries, utilises formulations made from herbs, shrubs, and plants known for their powerful medicinal properties. This ancient practice is rooted in the belief that true wellness and health come from maintaining a balance between the mind, body, and spirit, thus helping the body heal naturally.

Some of the best  Ayurvedic Herbs recommended are listed below:

Cinnamon:

• Reduces Insulin Resistance: Cinnamon helps lower insulin resistance, which is a primary cause of diabetes and PCOS.
• Regulates Blood Sugar Levels: It decreases the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream after meals and interferes with several digestive enzymes, aiding in better glucose management.
• Lowers Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH): Cinnamon reduces the levels of Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), a significant contributor to PCOS, helping to regulate menstrual cycles in women with the disorder.

Tulasi:

• Manages PCOS Symptoms: Tulsi is an essential herb for managing symptoms of PCOS.
• Anti-Androgenic Properties: It helps control androgens, reducing excessive facial hair growth and acne.
• Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory: Tulsi is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting overall health.
• Supports Weight Loss: It aids in reducing body weight, contributing to better management of PCOS.
• Stress Relief: Known as an excellent stress reliever, Tulsi helps in maintaining emotional balance.

Turmeric

• Curcumin’s Powerful Properties: Curcumin, the key compound in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.
• Blood Sugar Management: Curcumin helps regulate blood sugar levels and enhances estradiol, a key female hormone.

Licorice

• Anti-Androgen Properties: Licorice offers hormone-balancing effects by mimicking natural oestrogen, binding to receptor sites, and improving hormonal imbalance and infertility. It helps regulate ovulation and enhances fertility.
• Prevents Adrenal Fatigue: Licorice stimulates the adrenal glands, promoting healthy cortisol levels and addressing stress-related HPA axis dysfunction, which can lead to hormonal imbalances.
• Boosts Immune and Endocrine Function: It enhances immune system function, preventing hyperactive immune responses, and supports overall reproductive health in women.

Ashwagandha

• Reduces Excessive Calorie Intake
• Corrects Hormonal Imbalance
• Alleviates Mental Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
• Reduces Insulin Resistance
• Improves Fertility
• Manages Menstruation
• Helps Overcome Insomnia

Shatavari

• Regulates Menstrual Cycle: Shatavari supports a healthy menstrual cycle, maintaining a regular cycle of 28 to 35 days by balancing hormones.
• Promotes Follicular Growth: It stimulates the development and growth of follicles, essential for ovum development and conception.
• Balances FSH and LH Hormones: Shatavari helps regulate ovulation by balancing FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), crucial for egg release.
• Maintains Oestrogen and Progesterone Levels: It balances these key hormones, which are vital for ovarian function, conception, pregnancy, bone formation, and maintaining HDL cholesterol levels.

Panchakarma Therapy: Detoxifying the Body

It is important to regularly practise purificatory procedures to manage PCOS. The focus is on purifying menstrual blood and restoring the balance of deranged doshas (basic elements). Panchakarma is used for this purpose, following preliminary treatments such as snehana (oleation therapy) and swedana (sudation therapy).

Given that obesity is a common symptom of PCOS, there is significant vitiation of Kapha dosha and medo dhatu (excessive adipose tissue). Rukshana therapy becomes important as PCOS is a lifestyle disorder. This may involve using medicated decoctions, powders, or buttermilk internally, as advised by a physician.

• Sneha Karma (Oleation Therapy):Sneha (unctuousness) is a crucial element for maintaining body health and can be administered both internally and externally. Internal oleation, known as snehapana, involves the oral intake of medicated ghee or oil in specified quantities over a defined period. If direct consumption of these oils is challenging, they can be incorporated into foods such as gruel, tailored to the individual’s age, physical and mental strength, and habits. This procedure ensures proper oleation of the body and helps to excite the vitiated doshas, preparing them for further therapeutic interventions.
• Swedana Karma (Sudation Therapy):Following oleation therapy, Swedana Karma involves inducing sweating through a steam bath. This process liquefies accumulated doshas, facilitating their movement toward the digestive tract or the nearest route for evacuation. The therapy increases perspiration, nourishes the tissues, cleanses body channels, and improves circulation.

Panchakarma consists of five therapeutic procedures: Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), Kashaya Vasthi (medicated enema), Anuvasana Vasthi (oil enema), and Nasya (nasal administration). These procedures can be effectively applied in the treatment of PCOS.

Vamana (Emetic Therapy)

Vamana is a key purificatory procedure performed after oleation and sudation therapy. It involves the expulsion of aggravated doshas, particularly Kapha dosha, from the body through the mouth by administering medicinal substances orally. Once the vitiated doshas are expelled, the process naturally concludes. Vamana promotes a sense of lightness in the body, calmness of the mind, and enhanced sensory perception.

Virechana (Purgation Therapy)

Virechana involves the expulsion of aggravated doshas through the anus by administering medicinal substances orally. This therapy supports the proper functioning of Vata dosha, purifies the rasa and rakta dhatus, and helps maintain the body’s equilibrium.

Kashaya Vasthi (Decoction Enema)

Kashaya Vasthi involves administering a medicated decoction through the anus using an enema. This treatment targets and eliminates Kapha and Pitta doshas, which are often seated in areas associated with Vata dosha. It influences the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and the ovarian axis, thereby helping to regulate hormone levels.

Anuvasana Vasthi (Oil Enema)

Anuvasana Vasthi involves administering oil through the anal route, particularly if dryness occurs after a decoction enema. This therapy helps enhance the proper functioning of Vata dosha and provides lubrication and nourishment to the body.

Nasya (Nasal Instillation)

Nasya involves administering medications through the nasal passages and is primarily indicated for head-related conditions. However, it can also be beneficial for various other health issues. It is particularly advantageous in gynaecological and infertility cases. Nasya helps alleviate mental stress and provides a soothing effect throughout the body.

Dietary Recommendations and Lifestyle Changes

Ayurveda teaches that food (Ahara) is a form of medicine, emphasising the importance of eating the right foods at the right times to maintain health. In Ayurvedic treatments, diet plays a crucial role. According to Ayurveda, three main factors influence our health and disease: Oushada (Medicine), Ahara (Food), and Vihara (Lifestyle). Ayurvedic physicians consider various factors such as age, digestive power, body constitution, habitat, season, and specific health conditions when prescribing a diet.

Ayurveda advocates for a balanced diet that includes all six tastes (Rasa): sweet, sour, salty, astringent, bitter, and pungent. Each taste provides unique nourishment and benefits to the body.

The body is seen as a reflection of the food we consume. Acharya Sushruta, a renowned figure in Ayurveda, explained that the right foods can promote heart health, enhance memory, increase strength, aid digestion, and even prolong lifespan.

During treatment, Ayurveda prescribes specific diets to prevent and manage diseases. “Pathya Ahara” refers to foods that support the health of body tissues, promote growth and development, and help manage imbalances. Conversely, “Apathya Ahara” refers to foods that are harmful to health.

Pathya Ahara – Recommended Diet for PCOS:

• Green Leafy Vegetables: Include spinach, kale, and other greens.
• Vegetables: Eat beetroot, carrot, sweet potato, cucumber, coriander, cauliflower, and broccoli.
• Fruits: Incorporate papaya, avocado, kiwi, apple, strawberry, and grapes.
• Cow’s Ghee: Use for cooking and as a dietary fat.
• Nuts and Seeds: Consume almonds, walnuts, beans, pecans, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.

Apathya Ahara – Foods to Avoid in PCOS:

• Sugar and Sugar-Containing Items: Avoid sweets, pastries, ice cream, jam, and other sugary foods.
• Excess Salt: Reduce salt intake.
• Milk and Dairy Products: Avoid milk and dairy products.
• Junk Foods: Steer clear of processed and fast foods.
• Contraceptive Pills: Avoid overuse of contraceptive pills without a doctor’s prescription.

Lifestyle Changes for Managing PCOS:

• Regular Exercise: Engage in consistent physical activity.
• Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get proper, restful sleep.
• Stress Reduction: Implement strategies to lower stress levels.

Yoga and Meditation for Managing PCOS Symptoms

In addition to internal medication and external treatments, yoga plays a crucial role in managing PCOS symptoms. Yoga positively influences the endocrine system, helping to regulate hormone production and release, which is particularly beneficial for women with PCOS. By promoting hormonal balance, yoga supports the body’s natural rhythm. Furthermore, yoga reduces stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which triggers the “rest and digest” mode. Lower stress levels lead to reduced cortisol production, helping to alleviate PCOS symptoms.

Certain yoga poses can be particularly beneficial, but it’s essential to learn them from a qualified instructor. Here are some poses that many find helpful:

• sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand): Improves blood circulation and digestion.
• Matsyasana (Fish Pose): Stimulates hormone-controlling glands, helps manage menstrual pain, and reduces stress.
• Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose): Promotes better sleep, reduces stress, and helps manage anxiety and depression.
• Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend): Eases menopausal and menstrual discomfort, and stimulates the ovaries and uterus.
• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations): Supports a regular menstrual cycle, lowers stress, improves sleep, and aids digestion.
• Ustrasana (Camel Pose): Relieves menstrual discomfort and improves digestion.

Why Choose Dheemahi Ayurveda for PCOS Treatment

“At Dheemahi Ayurveda, we prioritise patient health and wellness with a team of expert doctors dedicated to your care. With over five generations of traditional Ayurvedic knowledge, we offer authentic and result-oriented treatments.

Our approach includes daily consultations and thorough physical examinations to accurately assess and address your health concerns. For chronic diseases, routine follow-up check-ups are essential and cannot be overlooked. Our therapies for symptom relief are closely supervised by our doctors, with precise documentation of your treatment schedule.

We believe that a peaceful mind is as crucial as a healthy body. The serene environment of Dheemahi Ayurveda Village, including our spacious garden and comfortable living rooms, contributes significantly to your healing process.

Additionally, our in-house pharmacy and medicine manufacturing unit ensure the provision of authentic medicines, supporting effective cures. Our team is committed to helping you achieve optimal health and vitality through personalised recommendations for food and lifestyle.”

How to Get Started with PCOS Treatment at Dheemahi Ayurveda

Dheemahi Ayurvedic Center has a rich history in providing holistic Ayurvedic treatments, and is renowned for its expertise in patient care (athuru sevana). Treatments are administered under the guidance of specialised doctors and experienced therapists. The centre effectively manages a wide range of conditions, including gynaecological issues such as PCOS, by offering high-quality and precise treatments.

In addition, managing PCOS can be supported through self-care practices such as ensuring sufficient sleep, engaging in relaxation techniques like pranayama and meditation, consuming a balanced diet, and maintaining a regular exercise routine.