Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD)

Polycystic ovarian disease is a gynaecological disorder whose prevalence seems to have increased considerably among Indian women in last few years. Many young girls and middle-aged Indian women are suffering from this syndrome which is a marked by appearance of multiple cysts on ovaries and disturbances in monthly menstrual cycles.

Causes

The exact cause of PCOD remains unknown to the modern science even as the genetic link is being scrutinized for its causative role.

Symptoms

• Menstrual disorders

• Acne

• Abnormal hair growth on face

• Hair fall from scalp

• Weight gain

• Insulin resistance

Ayurvedic PCOD Treatment

From Ayurvedic point of view, PCOD reflects vitiation of rasa and rakta dhatus. When levels of impurities and toxins increase in rasa and rakta dhatus, body stores them in form of cysts around ovaries. So presence of multiple cysts indicate high levels of impurities and toxins in these dhatus. Sign and symptoms in PCOD patients suggest imbalance of all three doshas. Dhatwagnimandya may also exist in some patients. History of improper diet and lifestyle is generally found among majority of PCOD patients. Excessive consumption of hormonal pills and contraceptive pills too is reported by many patients. Mental stress and lack of physical exercise are marked among quite a few ladies with PCOD. From Ayurvedic perspectives, all these things can produce toxins in body and cause diseases like PCOD.

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

• Low-fat milk is recommended. Boil milk before drinking. Drink it warm. This makes it easier to digest. Do not take milk with a full meal or with sour or salty foods. Add a pinch of turmeric or ginger to the milk before boiling it. This helps to reduce the kapha increasing qualities of the milk.

• Lighter fruits, such as apples, oranges, grape fruit, pineapple and papaya and pears, are recommended.

• Sweeteners: Honey is excellent for reducing kapha. Reduce the intake of sugar products, which increase kapha.

• Beans are recommended. Nuts should be avoided.

• Grains such as barley, chickpea and millet are recommended. Do not take too much wheat or rice, as they increase kapha.

• Spices are recommended only in moderate quantities.

• Vegetables such as potaotoes and sweet potatoes should be avoided as they can cause weight gain.

• Follow a lifestyle that will not aggravate any dosha.

• Negative feelings like stress and tension should be avoided. Do not undertake physical or mental work beyond your capacity.

• Limit the use of contraceptives.

• Follow an active lifestyle, yet the exercises should be according to one's capacity. Both, excessive fasting and overeating are harmful.

• Smoking, drinking alcohol and using narcotics aggravates menstrual disorders.