A complex hormonal disorder is known as PCOS that affects many females in their childhood. The body's regulation hormones like insulin and testosterone are suspected cause of PCOS.
An imbalance in female sex hormones leads to a condition known as Polycystic ovarian syndrome. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common problem among women at the reproductive stage. The symptoms present in PCOS women are disturbed or prolonged menstrual periods or an increase of male hormone levels i.e. androgen.
The disturbance in frequency and duration of the menstrual cycle is due to increased levels of androgens. Ovaries may be filled with follicles along with non-release of ova. The excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), acne vulgaris, and mood changes are common symptoms of PCOS.
Pregnancy becomes difficult and may be dangerous to a patient's overall health if left untreated. The percentage of irregular menstruation is about 80%, 70 percent have a high level of Testosterone leading to hirsutism and sometimes Alopecia and acne.
There is a difference between PCOS cysts and normal cyst types, one is Kapha Pradhana and other Pitta Vataja pradhan Vyadhi.
Signs and Symptoms of PCOS
The common signs & symptoms seen in PCOS patients are:
- After having one or more normal ones, there is no period during puberty i.e.secondary amenorrhea
- Irregular menstrual history
- Excessive hair growth over the face, around nipples and other body parts
- Size of breast decreases
- Weight gain
- The clitoris becomes Enlarged
- Hair thinning, depression, and mood swings
- Change in Voice i.e. it gets deeper
- Excessive bleeding during periods
- Acne Vulgaris that gets worse.
- The skin of the neck, underarms, and groin area become darker.
- Infertility
Causes of PCOS
The exact cause of PCOS is not known but few of the reasons are mentioned below:
- When the level of androgen increases excessively, it causes ovulation difficulty that may cause reason for PCOS.
- Genetic reason can be a cause of PCOS For example: If in your family your mother, the grandmother is having a history of PCOS than you may have higher chances of developing PCOS.
- When ovaries produce high levels of androgen it results in acne and excessive hair growth.
- Lifestyle changes
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Fat and cholesterol related abnormalities.
- Obesity can be a cause of PCOS in women as it increases inflammation in the body.
Ayurvedic view of PCOS
As per Ayurveda PCOS cases clinically are seen of two varieties, one is Kapha Pradhana and other Pitta Vataja Pradhana dosha. In Ayurved, it is correlated with "Aarthava Kshaya". Kaphaja Pradhana patients are more obese & are more prone to PCOS.
- Physical examination
- History
- Symptoms
- Menstrual history
- Blood examination(FBS and lipid profile)
- Thyroid profile
- USG of abdomen and vagina
30 Natural Ways to Help Treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
1. Diet changes
Change in the diet pattern is an important part to manage PCOS. the level of insulin, a hormone that the body uses to lower high blood sugar is slightly high. If the level of insulin gets persistently high, it stops responding to the hormone which leads to an increase of blood sugar level.
Insulin resistance is very common among people suffering from PCOS, and it can lead to weight gain.
The foods rich in, sugar, carbohydrates or both lead to an increase in insulin levels.
Just cut the carbohydrates and sugar from your meal to stabilize your blood sugar levels and low down your insulin levels. Avoid products such as pasta, rice, cereal, white bread, soda, cookies, chips, juice, granola bars.
A diet comprises of complex carbohydrates, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean meat and proteins.
2. Avoid caffeine or coffee
The consumption of Caffeine leads to an increase in the level of estrogen and change hormonal balance. Try to consume herbal tea instead of coffee to boost your energy. Properties of Kombucha's probiotic can prove to be beneficial.
You can also go with green tea instead. Green tea improves insulin resistance. It also to manage weight in women with PCOS.
3. Add in some fiber to help with digestion
A high fibrous diet can help improve your digestion problem. Products like, lima beans, Lentils, pears broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and avocados are having rich sources of fiber.
4. Cinnamon
One can get cinnamon from the bark of cinnamon trees. The extract of Cinnamon gives a positive effect on insulin resistance. Dalchini also regulates the female hormone in women with PCOS.
5. Turmeric
Curcumin is an active ingredient of turmeric. It helps to decrease insulin resistance and act as an anti-inflammatory agent.
6. Vitamin D and calcium
The vital hormone for your endocrine system is vitamin D. There is a deficiency of vitamin D in PCOS women with PCOS. Vitamin D and calcium regulates the menstrual system and irregular periods which help in ovulation.
7. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is known as "Indian ginseng." It regulates the cortisol levels, which could improve the stress symptoms of PCOS.
8. Holy basil
Tulsi or Holy basil regulates chemical and metabolic stress. It is known as "queen of herbs." Holy basil maintain your blood sugar level, prevent weight gain, and lower the level of cortisol hormone.
9. Licorice root
The root of licorice contains a compound known as glycyrrhizin, which has several unique properties. It has an anti-inflammatory action. It metabolizes blood sugar levels and balances the hormones.
10. Gokshuru or Tribulus Terrestris
Gokshuru helps to stimulate the ovulation process and support healthy menstruation. It may also be used several ovarian cysts.
11. Chaste berry
It is used for centuries to help with the reproductive problem. It may improve some symptoms of PMS, though its effect on fertility requires more research. It stimulates the function of the pituitary gland which in turn reduces the level of estrogen and androgen.
12. Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion Root )
This herb acts as a liver detoxifier and stimulates the flow of bile. It is used to detoxify the liver and remove the build-up of hormones. In PCOS treatment because menstrual irregularities the liver gets affected which being backed up with excessive hormones. In such cases, Dandelion is used.
13. Silybum marianum(Milk Thistle)
This herb helps to maintain healthy liver functions by healing damaged liver cells and protecting the liver against damage in the first place. Milk thistle helps to reduce excess estrogen and reduce insulin resistance.
14. Linum Usitatissimum(Flaxseed)
This herb is commonly used in PCOS treatment and it helps to increase SHBG levels in the blood and metabolize estrogen. Both low SHBG and high estrogen are causative factors in PCOS.
15. Maintain a healthy weight
A healthy weight helps to decrease insulin resistance, helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce your risk factors associated with PCOS.
16. Exercise
For maintaining a healthy weight exercise is important. But too much vigorous exercise can disrupt your hormones. Low-impact gentle exercises like yoga or Pilates can be done for longer durations. Light aerobics and swimming and are also recommended.
17. Take good sleep
One's stress levels get affected with sleep which helps to regulate cortisol which in turn balances your hormones. for women with PCOS, sleep disturbance is a common factor seen. For your sleep hygiene:
- Try to take eight to ten hours of sleep.
- Maintain the bedtime routine.
- Avoid rich, fatty foods stimulant food before bedtime.
18. Reduce stress
To regulate cortisol, stress should be monitored. One should practice like yoga, take a sound sleep, and cutting down caffeine products, to lower down stress levels. Relax your mind.
19. Acupuncture
uses of acupuncture are it increases blood flow to your ovaries, also helps to reduce cortisol levels, treat obesity, improve insulin sensitivity.
20. Avoid endocrine disruptors
Endocrine disruptors are known chemicals or ingredients that block your body's natural hormonal system.
Some endocrine disruptors mimic female and male sex hormones, confusing your reproductive system. This can increase your risk of PCOS symptoms. It is found canned food, makeup, and soaps. EG: BPA, dioxins, glycol ethers.
21. Cod liver oil
Mostly cod liver oil consists of vitamins D and A, and a high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids help to treat menstrual flow and helps to get rid of waist fat.
22. Zinc
Zinc element helps to boost fertility and your immune system
23. Chromium
It improves body mass index, to . Also, stabilize insulin by regulating sugar levels.
24. Inositol
It's just a vitamin B that improve insulin resistance to help with fertility in case o PCOS.
25 Intake of magnesium
consume almonds, banana, spinach to raise magnesium level which helps to treats the PCOS
26. Iron intake
heavy bleeding is common in PCOS which results in anemia, So take iron-rich food like spinach, broccoli, eggs.
27. Anti-inflammatory food
Take anti-inflammatory food to ease the symptoms of PCOS. e.g. tomatoes, olive oil, fatty fish like tuna and nuts
28. Birth control pills
take birth control pills to normalize your estrogen level to manage PCOS SYMPTOMS
29. PCOD Relief KiT
PCOS reflects the vitiation of rasa and rakta dhatus in the body. When levels of impurities and toxins increase in rasa and rakta dhatus, the body stores them in the form of cysts around ovaries.
In Ayurveda, there is several herbs that will treat PCOS from its root cause. Chandigarh Ayurved Centre has formulated ayurvedic medicines in PCOD Relief KiT
30. Detoxify the body
One can go with Abhyanga, Basti, vaman and virechan karma to detoxify the body in PCOS