PCOS is a hormonal disease causing small cysts on the outer edges of enlarged ovaries. Hormones are chemical messengers in the body which trigger many functions. In PCOS, the sex hormones get out of balance. Normally ovary makes a small amount of sex hormone androgen. In PCOS they start making more androgen which may result in stopping ovulation, getting acne and growing extra facial and body hair.

Causes can be:

1.            Heredity

2.            Hormonal imbalance

3.            Insulin resistance

4.            Inflammation in the body

Signs and symptoms

1. Irregular periods
2. Amenorrhea
3. Heavy or less menstrual bleeding
4. Infertility
5. Hirsutism
6. Skin changes
7. Obesity
8. Hair thinning
9. Skin tags
10. Pelvic pain
11. Sleep apnea

Diagnosis

Physical examination, blood work, pelvic ultrasound

Strict monitoring is needed since PCOS increases the risk of:

1. High lipid levels
2. Insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome
3. Obesity
4. Sleep apnea
5. Mood disorders
6. Endometrial cancer
7. Infertility
8. Cardiovascular risks and hypertension

PCOS treatment in Ayurveda

PCOS is mentioned mainly under Artava Vaha Sroto Dushti. Treatment includes Panchakarma and internal medication.

Panchakarma procedures effective for PCOS are udwarthanam,vamanam,virechanam and Basti. Benefits of these treatments are :

Reduce body weight, reduce insulin resistance, balance hormones, remove toxins, correct metabolism and promote other functions.

Medicines

Kanchanara guggulu; Sukumaram kashayam; Curcumin tablets, Varanadi kashayam, Panchakola churna, Triphala guggulu are good choices according to the health condition.

Dos

1. Minimize milk intake, avoid curd. Buttermilk is a better option.
2. Avoid day sleep.
3. Avoid junk foods and non veg. Fish is good to take.
4. Use garlic, fennel seeds and herbal tea like spearmint tea.
5. Avoid white sugar, Soya and reduce salt intake.
6. Consume more green leafy vegetables, fish, olive oil

Yoga and exercise

Regular exercise and weight control are very important for PCOS. Even losing 10lb regulate the hormones.

Yoga asanas beneficial for PCOS:

1. Suryanamaskar
2. Dhanurasana
3. Bhujangasana
4. Sarvangasana
5. Salabhasana
6. Suptavajrasana

In general eating the right choice of food, doing exercise and yoga, maintaining a healthy weight are important things that can be done along with medicines in managing PCOS.

Dr.Jilsy Dins BAMS,MSW,LMT

www.ayurvilla.us

Phone: 602.516.8800