Ayurveda for PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition seen in women from 15 to 40 years of age. It is one of the most common reasons for infertility in women and is considered one of the main reasons for couples choosing IVF as a fertility treatment.

PCOS is characterised by anovulation (failure to produce eggs from an ovary), hirsutism (excess hair), hyperinsulinemia (high levels of insulin in the body), and cyst formation in the ovaries.

The condition cannot be cured but symptoms can be managed through a variety of methods. The typical treatment for PCOS includes correcting the hormonal imbalance in the body, as well as regulating insulin levels in the blood and ovulation.

Can Ayurveda help PCOS?

While PCOS isn't typically a condition that Ayurveda can help with, it does broadly fall under artava dusti (problems with the menstrual cycle) and yonirogas (uterine disorders). Ayurveda’s answer to these problems is a holistic approach that focuses on wellness therapies, herbal formulations, diet, and exercise.

The objective is to balance the doshas and expel toxins (ama) and waste products (mala) that have accumulated in the body. Treatment is very individual and must be planned on the type of symptoms you have and their severity. The duration of treatment may vary from a couple of weeks to months.

Ayurveda is a holistic therapy that can be used alongside conventional medicine. It is a nurturing, natural, holistic approach to treating PCOS, much like the approach of Naturopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Ayurvedic treatment for PCOS

Ayurveda has some promising treatments to work on PCOS. Ayurvedic treatment of PCOS involves the use of herbs to boost fertility and maintain a balance of hormones. It also requires you to go through various types of therapies and maintain a balanced diet. All these play a vital role in overcoming PCOS-related problems.

Here, we explore some of the key aspects of Ayurvedic treatment for PCOS in more detail.

Kapha alleviation

According to Ayurveda, PCOS is thought to be caused by vitiation of mainly Kapha dosha blocking Pitta and Vata. This leads to an imbalance in hormones, resulting in an irregular menstrual cycle. This is what causes anovulation.

The treatment regimen will typically include Kapha alleviation via food and exercise, which includes clearing the obstruction of Vata and Pitta by herbs and treatments. Foods that are pungent, bitter, and astringent will reduce Kapha.

Additional dietary recommendations:

• Drink a glass of warm water half an hour before lunch.
• All spices, except salt, are good for Kapha.

Other suggestions

• Yoga and exercise poses, such as the Sarvangasana, Matsyasana, Ardha Matsyasana, and Paschimottanasana are beneficial.
• 'Phala Grita', an Ayurvedic ghee for clearing hormonal imbalance, is highly recommended.
• Aloe Vera, Shatavari, cinnamon, ashwagandha, fennel, and Ashoka are phytosterols and useful in regularising the menstrual cycle.
• 'Vasti' and 'Virechana', Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatments, are very useful in this condition.

Finding a professional 

Contact an Ayurvedic practitioner near you today. Find out how they can help with PCOS through treatment methods that include herbal medicine, yoga, massage, meditation, diet, aromatherapy, and lifestyle guidance.