Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disturbance affecting women
between 15 to 30 years of age. The disorder accounts for 30 per cent of all infertility cases with 73
percent of women suffering from PCOS experiencing infertility due to anovulation. Modern medicine
has been able to pinpoint a number of important factors indicating the disease determinants
however the exact cause of the disease is unknown. PCOS is a condition where a hormonal imbalance
affects follicular growth during the ovarian cycle causing the affected follicles to remain in the ovary.
The retained follicle forms in to a cyst and with each ovarian cycle a new cyst is formed leading to
multiple ovarian cysts. Women suffering from PSOC often present with other associated symptoms
including hirsutism excessive body hair, menstrual disturbances, acne vulgaris and obesity.
Ayurveda observes the disease looking for indications of the dosha responsible for the disorder. To
fully understand the dosha responsible we will continue to look at what modern medicine has
discovered about PCOS.
One of the key factors now being realized in modern medicine in relation to PCOS is hyperinsulinemia
increased levels of insulin in the blood. This indicates a direct link between obesity and PCOS as an
increased level of insulin in the blood is due to de-sensitivity of cells to insulin, a factor present in
diabetes mellitus type II. Increased insulin in the blood stimulates androgen secretion by the ovarian
stroma the connective tissue of the ovary and reduces serum sex hormonebinding globin (SHBG)
causing increased levels of free testosterone. Due to the presence of increased androgen in the
ovary, the follicle undergoing maturation in the ovary cycle is affected causing anovulation of that
particular follicle. The presence of insulin also impacts apoptosis natural occurring death of a
defective cell; of the follicle causing the follicle to continue to survive whereas under normal
circumstance it would have perished.
The ovarian cycle is governed by a hormonal feedback system moderated by the hypothalamus thus
it requires constant feedback of hormonal levels for it to properly regulate the release of follicle
stimulating hormone (FSH) and lutenizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary gland. Both of
these hormones play crucial parts in the development of the follicle during the ovarian cycle. As the
hormonal levels in the body are imbalanced and the ovum is not released by the ovary the positive
feedback mechanism to the hypothalamus to suppress FSH and LH release from the pituitary gland is
impeded. However the hypothalamus is receiving positive and negative feedback from hormones but
not due to the normal occurrence of the ovarian cycle. The hormonal feedback that the
hypothalamus is receiving is due to high levels of estrogen that has been formed from free
androgens in the peripheral tissue.
Kapha getting aggravated by use of foods which increase moisture leads to slaismiki characteristic by
absence of pain, feeling cold, itching and discharge of pale, slimy blood - Astanga Hrdayam
Ayurveda classifies PCOS as a kapha disorder, and by looking at the findings of modern medicine we
can correlate the exhibiting features of the disease with the dominate dosha responsible for the
disorder. The organs responsible for reproduction in the female body are called artava dhatu. The
channel that supplies, nourishes and enables the functional action of carrying the ovum to the uterus
is called artavavaha srota. All three doshas play important and distinctive roles in the processes
behind the female reproduction which includes the ovarian cycle and the menstrual cycle.
Vata is responsible for movement of the follicle during the ovarian cycle, the rupture of the ovary
wall releasing the matured ovum, the movement of the fimbriae the finger like projections that
guide the ovum into the fallopian tubes and the movement of the ovum towards the uterus. These
actions are due to apana vayu, the force behind downward movement from the navel down. Apana
vayu is also responsible for the movement of menses during menstruation and the energy behind the
downward movement of a baby through the birth canal during labour.
The action of the hormones expresses the nature of pitta, the energy responsible for transformation.
All stages of the female reproductive process are a result of the interplay of hormones. The spark of
intelligence behind the transformation of each stage is due to pitta reflected in the influence of the
hormones on the different stages of the ovarian and menstrual cycles.
Kaphas heavy cool qualities nourish the development of the tissues that form and support the
reproductive system including the nurturing energy supporting growth of the follicle during the
ovarian cycle. It is responsible for the mucosa layer of the fallopian tubes and uterus that protects
the tissues from the drying affect of ever present vata. In the GI tract kapha is responsible for the
mucosa lining that protects the tissues form digestive enzymes.
PCOS is due to kapha blocking vata and pitta, hence movement is obstructed and the transformation
process is suppressed.
Kapha having first affected the digestive fire jathara agni starts to affect the metabolic aspect of the
seven tissues called dhatu agni. Each dhatu agni is responsible for the nourishment and formation of
that particular tissue that it resides in. In the case of PCOS the dhatus that are affected are rasa
dhatu lymph and plasma, meda dhatu adipose tissue and artava dhatu the female reproductive
system.
Due to factors that aggravate kapha, kledaka kapha residing in the GI tract increases in quantity and
as stated affects the digestive fire in the stomach called jathara agni. As the heavy cold sticky
qualities of kapha suppress the digestive fire, food that is ingested is not properly digested forming
ama toxins. As kledaka kapha increases it mixes with the toxins and begins to move out of the GI
tract entering the channel of the first tissue rasavaha srota. Affecting the dhatu agni of the rasa the
metabolism of the lymph and plasma, rasa dhatu increases in quanity. In woman the superior
byproduct of rasa dhatu is rajah menstrual fluid. The menstrual fluid will also take on the quality of
kapha which will in turn begin to block apana vayu in artavavaha srota and rajahvaha srota the
channel that supports the functional action of the menstrual fluid.
Increased rasa dhatu circulating the body via the circulatory system being mixed with increased
kledaka kapha and ama begins to coat the cells of the body, this begins to affect pilu agni at the level
of the cells responsible for the permeability of the cell membrane. Due to the sticky heavy qualities
of increased rasa dhatu, kapha and ama, the cell membrane of the tissues are coated suffocating pilu
agni affecting cellular intelligence causing insulin receptors on the cell to not recognize chemical
structures that normally engage them. Insulin unable to engage cellular receptors begins to build up
in the blood stream moving towards artava dhatu where it comes across free receptors that engage
its molecular structure.
Aggravated kapha and ama having affected rasa dhatu moves through the channels to meda dhatu as
kapha, ama and meda dhatu have similar qualities hence they are easily attracted to each other.
Meda dhatu is often one of the first dhatus along with rasa dhatu to reflect a kapha aggravation.
Meda dhatu agni having been affected by the presence of the increased kapha dosha and ama causes
meda vruddhi, increased meda dhatu causing obesity. As meda vruddhi is allowed to increase the
increased meda, kapha and ama starts to block the channels of the body. Free androgens moving
throughout the body are processed at the level of meda dhatu where it takes on the heavy cool
quality of meda expressed as estrogen.
Kledaka kapha and ama having affected meda dhatu moves towards artava dhatu where they affect
artava dhatu agni causing increased tissue formation artava vruddhi. Ama entering the cells of
artava dhatu begins to affect the cellular intelligence of the cell by dampening pithara agni causing
error in cellular function and intelligence as seen when insulin engages receptors on the ovaries
causing the production of androgens. Mistake of cellular intelligence is also expressed in the
inhibiting of apoptosis death of defective cells.
It should be clearly understood that vata is the principle in the body (and nature) that moves things.
Both pitta and kapha are immobile without vata. If vata becomes constricted, it in turn, stops both
kapha and pitta from functioning properly. Atreya
Artava dhatu affected by the heavy sticky qualities of kapha and ama creates srota dushti in
artavavaha srota. Apana vayu in artavavaha srota becomes stagnant sanga, due to excessive kapha
and ama accumulation blocking the channel impeding the flow of vata in the ovarian cycle. Because
vata is blocked, pitta is blocked as well as pitta in order to act as the intelligence behind
transformation needs the movement of vata in order for its energy to have potential. As pitta is
blocked the hormones that carry the energy of transformation are unable to initiate their action. The
accumulated kapha is expressed in the formation of the cyst in the ovary as it takes on a heavy white
sticky quality expressing kapha and ama.
Due to vata and pitta being blocked in artava dhatu the other functions of both these doshas begin to
become aggravated. Pitta aggravation at the level of bhrajaka pitta and ranjaka pitta manifests as
acne and increased body hair. Menstrual problems manifest due to the aggravation of all three
doshas but namely apana vayu.
"Without the aggravation of Vata, the vagina does not get disordered in women, hence it should be
treated before Pitta and Kapha" Astanga Hrdayam
References:
- Atreya. Ayurvedic Healing for Women: a modern interpretation of Ayurvedic gynecology, Samuel
Weisser, Inc, York Beach. 1999
- Huether & McCance, Pathophysiology- The Biological Basis for Disease in Children & Adults, 4th
Ed, 2002, Mosby, Missouri.
- Lad, V., Textbook Of Ayurveda- Fundamental Principles, 2002, The Ayurvedic Press, Albuquerque.
- Sharma, Prof. P.V. Caraka Samhita (Text with English translation), Jaikrishnadas Ayurveda Series.
Varanasi India: Chaukhambha Orientalia, 2000
- Srikantha Murthy, Prof. K. R. Astanga Hrdayam; Varanasi India. Krishnadas Academy, Fourth 1999
Ruchi Khanna
27 years
The Jiva TeleMedicine Center (TMC), a first-of-its-kind concept in the world, was established in 1998
as an integrated center of telephonic health consultation. Today, we have on board 125 Ayurvedic
doctors and consultants who provide free health consultations to 5,000 patients daily. More than
70% of these people call us from remote Indian towns and villages such as Churu, Jhunjhunu,
Jharsuguda, Betul, and Baran, among others where authentic medical facilities are not easily
available. The Jiva TMC specializes in the treatment of both, regular and chronic disorders. We have
successfully treated numerous cases of Diabetes, Arthritis, Migraine, Hypertension, Obesity, Sexual
Problems, Skin Diseases, and all kinds of Womens Disorders.
Read on to know about how Jiva helped a patient suffering from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
treat her menstrual disorder and infertility with the help of customized Ayurvedic medicines, diet
and lifestyle plans.
The Case
Mrs. Ruchi Khanna (name changed), a 27-year-old married IT executive from Indore (Madhya
Pradesh), called the Jiva TMC in May 2010 in a severe state of depression. She had been suffering
from Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) and Infertility for the last seven years. She was also
suffering from weight gain, feeling of heaviness, hyperacidity, constipation, hirsutism and hair fall.
Her state of prolonged Amenorrhea had resulted in severe depression. And, the worst part was, all
the associated stress and tension were further aggravating her condition. All these symptoms were
indicative of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, one of the most common female endocrine disorders.
What is PCOS?
Modern View
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (also known as Polycystic Ovary Disease) is a problem in which a womans
hormones are out of balance. A common endocrinal disorder, it affects approximately 5-10% women
of reproductive age (15-45 years) and is one of the leading causes of infertility or menstrual disorders
in women.
Patients suffering from PCOS have multiple cyst formations in their ovaries, which result from
disruptions in their normal menstrual cycle. As a result, the ovary becomes enlarged and produces
excessive amounts of androgen and estrogen hormones. This excess, along with the absence of
ovulation, causes infertility, acne, and growth of extra facial and body hair. Insulin resistance,
diabetes and obesity are closely associated with PCOS as visible symptoms.
In the case of PCOS patients, these toxins get accumulated in the manovahi strotas (channels of the
mind), leading to an imbalance of hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. This condition results in
imbalance of female hormones and increase in Kapha, which causes formation of ovarian cysts
(collection of fluids within an ovary), anovulatory periods (no ovulation) and other symptoms.
As part of our treatment, we administered cleansing herbal formulas to remove accumulated toxins
from the manovahi strotas and balance the hormones. This was followed by the use of Pitta and
Kapha pacifying herbs in order to facilitate the cyst-breaking process, and aid in normalizing the cycle
of ovulation and menstruation.
Mrs. Khannas diet and lifestyle plan contained some simple suggestions that could facilitate
improvement in her condition:
Choose low glycemic index foods such as cauliflower, tomatoes, onions, peaches, apples,
grapefruit, etc. as they help in slowing the rise in blood sugar levels
Have at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day to increase the immunity of the body
The Result
After taking Jivas medicines for three months, Mrs. Khanna witnessed remarkable improvement in
her condition. Her menstruation became regular, which was a very significant achievement. Her body
started feeling light and her mind relaxed. She continued with the medication for another six
months. Eventually, she lost seven kilos of weight and noticed reduction in hair fall. Moreover, her
menstrual cycle was completely regulated now, leading to balancing of hormones in her body.
Mrs. Khanna is presently undergoing special treatment for strengthening her reproductive system
and helping her in conceiving.
I was in severe depression when I contacted Jiva. A sense of inferiority had seeped into my life due
to prolonged infertility and amenorrhea. Jivas medicines not only normalized my menstrual cycle,
but also helped me get back my confidence and come out of depression. Thanks to Ayurveda, I am
now positive about embracing motherhood soon.
Disclaimer: The case studies featured in our website are for the purpose of reference only and we do
not guarantee that all patients will experience the same results. Success rate of the treatment may
vary according to various conditions and factors. Results may vary from person to person
Ayurvedic treatment for PCOS Female Infertility
POSTED BY DR.VAIBHAV KADAM ON NOVEMBER - 12 - 2013
Infertility: This generally results directly from chronic anovulation (lack of ovulation).
High levels of masculinizing hormones: The most common signs are acne and hirsutism
(male pattern of hair growth), but it may produce frequent menstrual periods
Metabolic syndrome: This appears as a tendency towards central obesity and other
symptoms associated with insulin resistance. Serum insulin, insulin resistance and
homocysteine levels are higher in women with PCOS.
2. Uttarbasti (Vasti): Uttara basti(Vasti) is the most effective treatment in gynaecological disorders. It
helps to purification and clears the Aartava Vaha Srotas, pacifies vitiated Apana Vayu and improve
follicular maturity.
3. Virechan: It eliminates body toxins like vitiated Pitta. The process of cleansing is carried out in the
small intestine & other Pitta zones. Here drugs that stimulate bowel movement are increased for the
expulsion of doshas through rectum. It acts on hormones system like Vaman Karma.
4. Vaman: Cleansing procedure intended mainly for the expulsion of vitiated Kapha. This is a
painless, drug induced emetic procedure, carried out mainly in the Vasant rhitu i.e. Feb. ,Mar. ,April
Months.
Vaman procedure purifies internal toxins. This balances hormonal system. Vaman acts on Thyroid
gland. It also stimulates Pancreas to secret insulin in normal level, so P.C.O.D. decreases accordingly.
Herbal medicines are very effective in regularising the hormones. Panchakarma Procedure are
effective to correct the pathology of cysts. After proper completion of panchkarma procedure likes
uttar basti(vasti) it has been observed that follicles do rupture naturally without any hormonal
injections.
____________________________________________
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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - Natural Cure
Dr. Vipul Sharma
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, also known as PCOS or PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease), is a very
common hormonal disorder in women.
Ayurveda classifies PCOS as a Kapha disorder.Vata is responsible for movement of the follicle during
the ovarian cycle, the rupture of the ovary wall releasing the matured ovum, the movement of the
fimbriae the finger like projections that guide the ovum into the fallopian tubes and the movement
of the ovum towards the uterus.The action of the hormones expresses the nature of pitta, the energy
responsible for transformation.Kaphas heavy cool qualities nourish the development of the tissues
that form and support the reproductive system including the nurturing energy supporting growth of
the follicle during the ovarian cycle.PCOS is due to kapha blocking vata and pitta, hence movement is
obstructed and the transformation process is suppressed.
Artava dhatu affected by the heavy sticky qualities of kapha and ama creates srota dushti in
artavavaha srota. Apana vayu in artavavaha srota becomes stagnant sanga, due to excessive kapha
and ama accumulation blocking the channel impeding the flow of vata in the ovarian cycle. Because
vata is blocked, pitta is blocked as well as pitta in order to act as the intelligence behind
transformation needs the movement of vata in order for its energy to have potential. As pitta is
blocked the hormones that carry the energy of transformation are unable to initiate their action. The
accumulated kapha is expressed in the formation of the cyst in the ovary as it takes on a heavy white
sticky quality expressing kapha and ama.
Due to vata and pitta being blocked in artava dhatu the other functions of both these doshas begin to
become aggravated. Pitta aggravation at the level of bhrajaka pitta and ranjaka pitta manifests as
acne and increased body hair. Menstrual problems manifest due to the aggravation of all three
doshas but namely apana vayu.
"Without the aggravation of Vata, the vagina does not get disordered in women, hence it should be
treated before Pitta and Kapha" Astanga Hrdayam
Allopathy treats the condition on lines of hormonal imbalance and the major treatment includes HRT
(hormone replacement therapy) where subsequent hormones are administered after proper
evaluation of the patient. Apart from that, diet and certain exercises are also recommended. Apart
from that, there is a growing belief that PCOS occurs due to malfunction of the hormone insulin and
hence diabetic drugs like metformin may also be prescribed by your doctor for the same. Surgery is
also an option exercised where the ovary is punctured or the cystic tissue above the ovary is
destroyed for better hormonal gain. However, all these have their own after effects and you must
evaluate all options about it by talking with your gynecologist and personally researching on the net.
This rule not only applies to allopathy but also to other streams of medicine as after all it is your
body.
In taking hormones, it further depletes your endocrinal system and puts them in sleep. The stuff that
has to be naturally released by the body, once delivered with artificial means puts the body in a lazy
mode. The HRT treatment may give you good results but is not recommended in long run as it can
cause other problems.
# Now taking in account the above-mentioned treatment modalities, we can place a pattern for
proper evaluation and treatment modalities for PCOS.
1. Eat at regular intervals. For example, if you have breakfast, lunch, and dinner between 8 to 9, 12 to
2 and 8 to 9 respectively, see to it that you follow these timings as the thyroid gland become trained
to secrete juices in these times. Any variations and it puts pressure on the glands. Doesn't matter
even if you gulp down a glass of milk, but the timings must be maintained.
2. Salt restriction is another major aspect. Prepare food without salt. Take as much as you want in
the plate (only one helping) then add salt to taste. Prefer saindhav salt (Himalayan crystal salt).
3. Have a papaya for breakfast/dinner at least 2-3 times a week until your cycles regularize. Apart
from that also intake porridge prepared from Ragi extract (nachini, Eleusine coracana). prefer crystal
sugar (Khadisakhar, Mishri) for taste instead of normal sugar. Weight watchers can prefer sugar
substitutes however crystal sugar is very safe.
4. Avoid sleeping after lunch. Have a glass of buttermilk (prepared without salt).
5. Stay away from direct/indirect use of the following items; Brinjals, Peas, Peanuts, cauliflower,
seafood, pickles, curds (buttermilk is okay), green chilies, mustard, bakery products (pastries okay).
# Here is List of some simple herbal decoctions, which if taken over a period of 2 to 3 months will
definitely help:
1. Take Ashwagandha roots (Withania somnifera; entire about 150 grams), Arjun bark (Terminalia
arjuna; about 70 grams) from a local herb shop. Divide both of these into 30 equal parts. Now boil 1
part every morning in 3 cups of water (approximately 150 ml) and reduce to 1 cup. Now filter this
mixture and add 1 cup of cow's milk to it. Boil the mixture again over a low flame until milk remains.
Add 2 cardamoms while boiling. Consume this milk early morning empty stomach. Little sugar can be
added for taste. The remaining filtrate of Ashwagandha and Arjun can be used similarly in evening.
During summer months, Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus var. javanica) can be substituted for
Ashwagandha.
2. After 30 days or 35 days if the periods do not commence have the following mixture for 3 days, 10
grams Nagkeshar (Mesua ferra flower stamens), 10 gms crystal sugar (Khadisakhar, Mishri) and 10
gms Cow's ghee (clarified butter from cow), it must be mixed and consumed with milk once a day.
The above combination is for one day. If the periods do not commence even after this medicine, then
do not worry. Keep taking the above medicine. Eventually they will come and with proper ovulation.
The above simple remedy coupled with diet will definitely help and let you lead a normal menstrual
life with kids and no infertility. In case you feel you need to evaluate this option more, try and consult
a good Ayurveda physician. Having customized and specialized treatments will help you gain more.
For example:
2. Panchakarma techniques like Basti, Uttar Basti, Vaman, Virechana, Nasya are also undertaken.
3. Certain yogic exercises like Simhasan, Vajrasan, Shalabhasan, Sarvangasan are also helpful and
may be coupled with the above medicines
Besides the above remedies, the simple Ayurveda method to check if the periods are adulatory and
with proper hormonal functions is to take a few drops of menstrual blood on a clean white cloth and
wait for few seconds. Now wash the cloth with plain warm water (no soap, detergents) and observe
if it leaves a pickle like stain. Clean periods as per Ayurveda must not leave stain on the cloth. Once
you achieve that, you can then try conception !