Hello, I am Dr. Surej, a consultant physician and MD in Ayurveda, practicing at Ayur Bethaniya, Thrissur. In my practice as an Ayurvedic doctor, I have helped various patients suffering from PCOD/PCOS.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a major problem for women and can lead to subfertility in most childbearing women. In extreme cases, PCOS can lead to infertility. The management of PCOS and PCOD is absolutely necessary for a healthy reproductive life. The ancient texts of Ayurveda have described this syndrome and also given us ways to treat this problem for higher fertility levels in females. In this day and age, it is very necessary to adhere to safe and healthy lifestyle practices so PCOS-like problems do not develop.
Reasons behind PCOS
The multi-factorial syndrome of PCOS can develop because of many reasons. I have also given a simple explanation with the help of wisdom from the science of Ayurveda, so you understand how your body functions.
Higher levels of androgens
A female reproductive system and her body are naturally more receptive to female sex hormones. In a healthy female’s body, the secretion and impact of female sex hormones are higher, and her menstrual cycle goes on smoothly. It is when the female endocrine system starts to malfunction, and the level of male sex hormones increases over female sex hormones that the menstrual cycle does not work properly, and the girl faces irregularities in periods, sometimes missing them.
Higher levels of insulin
Women who suffer from type 2 diabetes or have insulin resistance are also more prone to PCOS and PCOD. Women who are dependent on sugary and processed food diets are more prone to insulin resistance and diabetes. Unfortunately, this is a problem that most women have, and so PCOS is seen in a higher number of women.
All of these factors cause an imbalance in the body, which is explained in Ayurveda as an imbalance of doshas and the increase of vatta, pitta and kapha levels, which are the bodily fluids that we have in us. These doshas are linked with metabolism and body movement, and they have to be controlled and balanced with the help of Ayurvedic practices so that the body functions properly and does not suffer from complex syndromes like PCOS.
The PCOS or PCOD condition develops mainly because of the imbalance of Kapha dosha. Kapha is an element that is linked with metabolism and body structure, governing the internal organs and hormones. In women who suffer from an imbalance of Kapha, I have noticed bodily changes like weight gain, slow metabolism and hormonal health problems like PCOS in women who suffer from fluctuations of Kapha.
Understanding PCOS with the help of Ayurveda
In terms of Ayurveda, conditions like PCOS are often described as granthi or a condition which can lead to complex symptoms like the formation of tumours, cysts and other irregular growth in the body. Ayurveda also describes the condition as happening because of an imbalance in doshas, which leads to the accumulation of toxins in the body.
Because of the increase in toxin levels or Ama accumulation in the body, we also see a negative impact on the Rasa and Rakta Dhatus in the body. As blood plays an important part in hormone delivery and the menstrual cycle of the woman, the fluctuation of rakta dhatus has a negative impact on the menstrual cycle of the woman.
The Vata dosha is in charge of the development of follicles and ovum and their movement into the uterine space. The Kapha dosha is related to the further nourishment and development of the follicle and the development of the uterine tissue when the menstrual cycle prepares for implantation. Ovum tissue growth and the sustenance of the egg are also dependent on the Kapha dosha.
On the other hand, Pitta dosha plays an important role in determining the proper completion of hormonal cycles and functions of the endocrine system. To manage and resolve issues like PCOS, I always recommend ayurvedic treatments and lifestyle changes that balance these three doshas in a woman’s body.
Taking inspiration from Ayurveda to treat PCOS
When I start to treat PCOS or PCOD, I make sure that the toxins in the patient’s body are drained out first. The toxins need to be removed before a new treatment can be started for nourishment.
The second point is to revitalise and nourish the female body so that the reproductive system is strengthened completely.
The third point to address is to maintain the hormonal balance so that all the reproductive processes work properly.
The fourth is to bring down blood sugar levels and reduce weight so that the woman feels healthy in her metabolism and movement.
Treatments for PCOS and PCOD
The ayurvedic treatment for PCOD and PCOS at Ayur Bethaniya starts with the alteration of diet for the woman. I advise my PCOS patients to increase their intake of whole fruits and vegetables so that there is an increase in fibre intake, which reduces their insulin resistance. I advise them to reduce their intake of fermented and dairy products. Instead of processed foods, women should eat seasonal fruits and berries for optimal nourishment. I also told them to consume more millet and ragi so their fibre intake would increase and their sugar intake would be controlled.
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By using herbs like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Vilva, Haritaki, Pipalli Guduchi and other anti-oxidants in my treatments, I help them get rid of internal toxins and improve metabolism. Regular intake of these beneficial herbs also has a positive impact on the hormonal balance of the body. I also advise them to start doing yoga and breathing exercises for circadian rhythm regulation.
Conclusion
With Ayurveda and Yoga, I believe that women can solve a lot of their health problems. PCOS and PCOD are all about hormonal imbalance and metabolic dysregulation. With consistent Ayurvedic treatments at Ayur Bethaniya, my team and I have been successful in managing and resolving major hormonal issues like PCOS for many patients. Ayur Bethaniya is an Ayurveda Hospital in Kerala that advocates for the Vedic and organic way of living. At Ayur Bethaniya, we take care of your physical and mental wellness by being a destination for Ayurvedic retreat and recuperation.
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