Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovary Disease are two very common endocrinal syndromes, affecting millions of women all over the world from teen age to the menopause. Both disorder’s carry a variety of symptoms which can significantly affect reproductive health, metabolic health, psychological health and overall wellbeing in women.
Causes of PCOS
The main exact primary cause for the PCOD and PCOS is still not so clear, but the below mentioned factors are known to play a major role in the development of symptoms of the disorder:
- Genetics: Women having a family history of PCOS and PCOD are more likely to inherit the disorder in them.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Apart from genetics, abnormal levels of androgens can lead to the development of menstrual irregularities and ovarian cyst.
- Insulin resistance: It is another factor which can lead to weight gain and hormonal imbalance.
- Diet and Lifestyle: Hectic lifestyle with high stress level work, poor eating habits can contribute to the hormonal imbalance and improper insulin levels in the body.
- Inflammation: Women with PCOS often have increased levels of inflammatory markers are found to be increased in women suffering from PCOS/PCOD.
Prevention:
There is a substantial need to modify lifestyle, which can help in managing symptoms and reducing the risk of related to PCOS and PCOD:
- Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins and probiotics can help in regulating insulin resistance and managing hormonal balance.
- Exercise: A regular daily exercise or physical activity can play a vital role in weight management, hormonal balance and helps in increasing insulin sensitivity.
- Weight Management: A proper healthy weight can help in regulating menstrual cycles and reduce unpleasant PCOS symptoms.
- Stress Reduction: Yoga and meditation along with proper lifestyle can help manage stress, which may further cause hormonal imbalance and other symptoms.
- Ayurvedic Preparations: In Ayurveda many herbs used for PCOS acts on the principle of Dosh balancing of Kapha and Pitta and hormonal balancing properties.
Notable herbs for the treatment of PCOS/PCOD
There are many beneficial herbs with the power of controlling and preventing various symptoms of PCOS/PCOD, some of the notable herbs among them are:
- Ashoka (Saraca asoka): Ashoka helps in regulating menstrual cycles irregularities and controlling excessive menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia).
- Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa): The astringent and anti-inflammatory properties of Lodhra is very effective in treating menstrual irregularities and healing inflamed endometrium.
- Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa): Beneficial in managing hormonal imbalance and menstrual irregularities.
- Majuphal (Quercus infectoria): Known for its astringent and antifungal properties, Majuphal is useful in reducing vaginal discharge (Leucorrhea).
- Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): It is a very good adaptogen, useful in balancing hormones and enhancing fertility.
- Vidarikand (Pueraria tuberosa): The adaptogenic property of vidarikand helps in enhancing fertility by improving reproductive health.
- Nagkesar (Mesua ferrea): The astringent, analgesic and anti-inflammatory property of nagkesar is useful in balancing menstrual irregularities and relieving pain associated with menstrual disturbances.
- Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus): The analgesic, anti-inflammatory and diuretcic property of nagarmotha is useful in relieving urinary discomfort and pelvic pain.
- Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): Traditionally fenugreek (Methi) is widely used in blood sugar management. Fenugreek helps in increasing glucose tolerance and reduce insulin resistance, which is a common issue in PCOS.
- Neem (Azadirachta indica): The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in Neem helps in reducing acne and skin issues which are associated with PCOS.
- Vijaysar (Pterocarpus marsupium): The anti-diabetic property of Vijaysar helps in managing hormonal balance and in maintaining proper insulin level in body.
- Dashmool: , Dashmool is a blend of ten medicinal roots is effective in reducing inflammation and treating hormonal imbalances.
- Loh Bhasma: It is an ayurvedic medicine containing iron. it is used in increasing blood haemoglobin level and improve overall vitality.
- Godanti Bhasma: A classical ayurvedic preparation made from gypsum, used for its cooling properties, analgesic effect, treating calcium deficiencies in bone and relieving menstrual pain.
- Yashad Bhasma: It is made from zinc and is useful in managing immune system and skin health, both of which are affected in PCOS and PCOD.
Conclusion
PCOS and PCOD is affecting many women worldwide and apart from genetic causes there are other lifestyle and diet related factors playing their role in this endocrine disorder. Manging Sugar levels is very important to control various symptoms of PCOD and PCOS, balanced and nutrient rich diet along with proper herbal treatment can be very beneficial in it. Apart from this lifestyle management, Exercise, weight management and stress relief shall be focused. A consultation with an healthcare professional is preferred.