Hey there, lovely souls!
Ever come across the term Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? You or someone close might be navigating it, and trust me, many are in the same boat.
PCOS is a common hormonal condition that affects many during their reproductive years. Let’s dive in!
Understanding PCOS
A prevalent hormonal condition that affects people with ovaries, typically throughout their reproductive years, is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
On the ovaries, there are several little cysts that are a sign of PCOS. Although these cysts are not dangerous, they can cause hormonal abnormalities.
What Causes PCOS?
Although the precise aetiology of PCOS is unknown, it is thought to be a result of both hereditary and environmental factors. A large part is played by insulin resistance and hormonal abnormalities.
Symptoms
- Menstrual Cycles That Are Infrequent or Irregular: Women with PCOS frequently have irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles.
- Male hormones (androgens) in excess can cause symptoms including acne, excessive body and facial hair (hirsutism), and male-pattern baldness.
- Polycystic Ovaries: Ultrasound can be used to identify enlarged ovaries with tiny cysts.
- Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance is a common symptom of PCOS and increases the risk of weight gain and type 2 diabetes.
- Fertility Problems: Because of irregular ovulation, PCOS is a prevalent cause of infertility.
- Mood Changes: Some people may go through despair and mood swings.
Elevated amounts of luteinizing hormone (LH), androgens, and insulin are three distinct hormonal abnormalities that are involved in PCOS. Ovulation becomes irregular as a result, and ovarian cysts develop. This interferes with normal ovarian function.
How Do You Know It’s PCOS?
- Diagnosing PCOS typically involves a mix of:
- Symptoms and menstruation history are covered in the medical history.
- Physical examination: This includes looking for acne and symptoms of excessive hair growth.
- Blood tests: To assess the levels of hormones such as insulin, testosterone, FSH, and LH.
- To see the ovaries and check for cysts using ultrasound.
Ayurveda’s Take on PCOS
In Ayurvedic terms, PCOS is often referred to as “ArtavaKshaya” or “Granthyada Rog.” It’s primarily seen as an imbalance of the “Kapha” and “Pitta” doshas. Factors like a poor diet, stress, and even genetic predisposition can contribute to PCOS. Consuming too many cold, fatty, and sweet foods can aggravate the Kapha dosha, leading to PCOS symptoms.
Tackling PCOS Head-On
Many people with PCOS can live healthy lives and successfully manage their symptoms with the right management and lifestyle adjustments.
PCOS can increase the chance of several long-term health complications, although it normally does not shorten a person’s lifetime.
The prognosis for fertility varies; while some people with PCOS may have trouble getting pregnant, others may do so with medical assistance.
Some of the Risk Factors follows:
- Infertility
- Diabetes Type 2
- vascular problems
- cancer of the uterus
- Obesity
- Mental and Emotional Well-being
The primary goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and reduce long-term health risks. This can involve:
- Lifestyle Modifications: Controlling weight with exercise and food to increase insulin sensitivity.
- Medication: Hormonal birth control to control periods and lower levels of androgen. It is also possible to be administered metformin to increase insulin sensitivity.
- Fertility treatments: For those who are attempting to get pregnant, fertility drugs may be advised.
- Anti-Androgens: medications to treat acne and hirsutism.
- Endometrial Protection: To lower the chance of endometrial cancer in ladies who experience irregular menstruation.
- Managing mood issues that may be linked to PCOS with psychological support.
- M2 Tone tablets for PCOS, is a widely used herbal supplement to restore hormonal imbalances and menstrual irregularities.
Ayurvedic Remedies to Consider
- Drinking ginger tea before or after meals can help with digestion. Fresh ginger slices should be boiled in water.
- Warm milk with a dash of turmeric can help reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system.
- Honey and Cinnamon for Colds: A honey and cinnamon mixture can relieve the symptoms of colds and coughs. Take a tablespoon every day.
- Triphala for Constipation: Before going to bed, mix some triphala powder with some warm water to help with constipation.
- Holy Basil (Tulsi) for Stress:
- Fresh tulsi leaves can be chewed or used to make tea to ease stress and anxiety.
- By enhancing metabolism, trikatu, a concoction of ginger, black pepper, and long pepper, can help in weight loss.
- Warm water mixed with lemon and honey is said to help with weight management when consumed in the morning.
Women diagnosed with PCOS had a 40% higher likelihood of experiencing elevated blood pressure. The inclusion of Mukta Vati stands as an ideal Ayurvedic solution for addressing hypertension
Dietary Changes: Ayurveda emphasizes eating according to one’s dosha. For PCOS, it’s recommended to limit kapha-forming foods like dairy and sweets. Instead, opt for warm, light, and easily digestible foods.
Yoga: Yoga poses like the Reclining Bound Angle Pose, Cobra Pose, and Bow Pose can help manage PCOS symptoms by improving blood flow, balancing hormones, and toning the abdominal region.
Research and Further Reading
If you’re keen on diving deeper into the science behind PCOS and Ayurveda, platforms like PubMed and Google Scholar are fantastic resources.
In Conclusion
PCOS might feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it’s manageable. Ayurveda offers a holistic perspective, focusing on the root causes rather than just the symptoms. Remember, every individual is unique, so it’s essential to find what works best for you. Embrace the journey, and here’s to a healthier, happier you!
