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PCOD - PCOS Treatment

The integrative treatment towards Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) include Ayurveda, Yoga, Acupuncture and Naturopathy, which restore and maintain health and wellness across a woman's life.

So, What is PCOS?

Ayurveda elaborately explains PCOS as an ancient science of medicine, any disease is viewed as an imbalance. In this context, Ayurveda categorizes it as a kapha disorder. Arthava dhatu, the reproductive tissue in the female body, and the artavavaha srota, the channel responsible for carrying reproductive fluid, play a crucial role. It occurs when there is an excess of kapha that obstructs the natural and balanced flow of these fluids and channels. This obstruction hampers movement, suppresses metabolism, and gives rise to its symptoms. In general, it is a hormonal disorder that typically occurs during the reproductive years. It can lead to irregular periods or delayed menstural cycle, prolonged menstrual cycles, and an excess of androgen hormone in the body. In PCOS, numerous small fluid-filled sacs, known as cysts, develop along the outer edge of the ovaries. These cysts consist of immature eggs, referred to as follicles, which do not mature and release regularly as they should. This is a common endocrine disorder affecting 5- 10% of women of reproductive age that is 1 in 10 gets affected. These incidence is increasing rapidly with the change in lifestyle & stress, most frequently causing sub- infertility in women. It is a hormonal disorder with symptoms that vary from person to person. These symptoms can include unwanted hair growth or hair loss, fatigue, acne, mood swings, irregular periods, and weight gain. While not life-threatening, these symptoms can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a metabolic disorder characterized by hormonal imbalances in women during their reproductive years (between ages 21 and 51). Elevated levels of male hormones can lead to skipped menstrual periods, irregular ovulation, difficulty in conceiving, abnormal hair growth on the body and face, and an increased risk of long-term complications like heart disease and diabetes. 

Many women may have PCOD or PCOS without being aware of it. The condition manifests through a range of symptoms that affect ovulation and the ovaries, including ovarian cysts, elevated levels of male hormones, and irregular or skipped menstrual periods. With the assistance of fertility treatments to enhance ovulation, women with PCOS can get pregnant.

PCOD and PCOS Causes

• It is believed that high levels of male hormones prevent the ovaries from producing hormones and making eggs normally
• Genetics
• Increase level of Inflammations

Common symptoms of PCOD and PCOS

• Irregular periods
• Heavy bleeding
• Hirsutism or excessive growth of hair on face
• Absence of menstruation
• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Pelvic pain
• Acne
• Irritability or Depression

PCOD and PCOS Difference

PCOD

PCOS

  • It a common disorder, impacts approximately 10% of women worldwide.
  • PCOD occurs when the ovaries produce numerous immature or partially mature eggs, often caused by factors such as unhealthy lifestyle, obesity, stress, and hormonal imbalances.
  • PCOD does not typically hinder fertility in women. Despite this condition, women can still ovulate and have the potential to conceive, often with minimal assistance
  • It is a condition that does not lead to major complications.

 

  • It is a significant medical condition, affects approximately 0.2% to 2.5% of women worldwide.
  • It is a metabolic disorder and a more advanced stage of PCOD, which can cause anovulation, halting the release of eggs from the ovaries.
  • It significantly impacts fertility in women. Irregular ovulation due to PCOS makes it challenging to conceive. If pregnancy occurs, there is an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and pregnancy complications.
  • PCOS carries serious complications, including the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and, in later stages, endometrial cancer.

Females often wonder if PCOD and PCOS are the same or different. These conditions, affecting women during their reproductive age (12-51 years), share similar symptoms related to ovaries and hormonal imbalance. However, it’s important to understand the distinctions between PCOD and PCOS.

Complications of PCOS / PCOD problem

If a woman has PCOD or PCOS, she may wonder how it affects her body. What causes PCOD or PCOS? Having higher-than-normal androgen levels can cause health problems. Listed below some complications of PCOD or PCOS that need medical attention.

  • Irregular menstrual bleeding
  • Infertility or difficulty in conceiving
  • High blood pressure and related fertility issues
  • Development of type 2 diabetes
  • Increased risk of preterm labor and premature birth
  • Metabolic syndrome, which raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke
  • Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a liver condition
  • Depression and anxiety arising from unwanted hair growth and other symptoms
  • Sleep apnea, particularly in overweight women, causing breathing interruptions during sleep
  • Higher risk of endometrial cancer due to thickened uterine lining
  • Increased chances of miscarriage (spontaneous pregnancy loss)

How to cure PCOS permanently & when to start the treatment?

Most of the women often wonder how to cure pcos permanantly? If you experience skipped periods or face symptoms of PCOD/PCOS such as unwanted facial or body hair growth, or if you have been unsuccessfully trying to conceive for 12 months or longer, it is advisable to seek consultation.Do consult a doctor when you find hair on your cheeks, when the menstrual cycle is very painful, or when you skip a cycle.

PCOD or PCOS Diagnosis

How integrative medicine based approach helps in treating & managing the PCOS or PCOD?

The integrative Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) treatment include Ayurveda, Yoga, Acupuncture and Naturopathy, which restore and maintain health and wellness across a woman's life. Treatments from Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy Integratively helps in Managing PCOS. Have a look at our Integrated Approach below on how to treat for PCOS/ PCOD.

Yogic Treatments

The practice of Yoga for PCOS & PCOD operates on profound levels beyond the physical body. Yoga asanas enhance pelvic openness and induce relaxation, pranayamas calm the mind, and meditation completes the comprehensive system, offering detoxification and stress relief. Specific Yoga Therapy is suggested based on the Integrated approach to yoga therapy and includes not only Asanas but breathing exercises, pranayama and relaxation to balance the hypothalmo-pituatary ovarian axis.

Ayurvedic PCOD | PCOS Treatments

Ayurvedic PCOS & PCOD treatment typically combines herbal remedies, therapies, and lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes. The Panchakarma therapies, Shirodhara, Udvartana and Oral medications are useful in treating PCOS as they naturally stimulate better Ovarian functions alongside regulation of diet and lifestyle. Ayurvedic medicine offers natural PCOS remedies that are believed to have no known side effects.

Naturopathy Treatments

Treatments such as Hip Bath, Hot foot Bath and diet help in improving the function of pelvic viscera by altering the circulation

Acupuncture:

Needling certain anatomical points has been reported to potentially improve sensitivity and help patients with PCOS.

Home Remedies for PCOS or PCOD

Can PCOS go away naturally? PCOS cannot go away on its own, but you can manage its symptoms by making lifestyle changes and using natural remedies. One of the highly recommended PCOS/PCOD solution is a combination of regular exercise, a balanced diet, and medication prescribed by a healthcare professional.

 

  • Exercise Regularly- PCOS/ PCOD patients often struggle with difficulty in losing weight, but it’s important to remember that even if you don’t see immediate changes on the scale, your efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage weight can significantly reduce the symptoms in the long term. Take a gradual approach when it comes to exercise and avoid doing too much too soon. Slowly increase the intensity and duration over time to ensure that it remains a manageable and enjoyable activity without causing unnecessary stress.
  • Adopt a Healthy Diet-

    Following a healthy and well-timed diet can help you to see positive impact on preventing PCOS or reducing its symptoms with time

    Inorder to maintain a healthy life style it is advisable to completely avoid sweets, fried foods, and high-calorie meals. When cravings for sweets arise, go for healthy alternatives like having an apple.

    Opt for frequent small meals rather than  large ones can help avoid unnecessary snacking in between. Paying attention to a nutritious breakfast is particularly important.

    By planning your meals in advance and following to the plan, you can steer clear of unhealthy junk food choices. Incorporating fiber-rich foods such as brown rice and whole wheat bread into your diet is beneficial.

  • Stable Ovulation Cycle- Maintaining a stable ovulation cycle is key in managing PCOS symptoms. Minimize or avoid unnatural interventions, such as using pills to postpone menstruation, to support a regular cycle.
  • Include Special Diets- Some of the  ingredients recommended in Ayurveda can be beneficial for PCOS patients. Bitter gourd and Indian gooseberry help effectively to control blood sugar. While fenugreek leaves and basil help to maintain insulin levels. A mixture of honey, lemon, and warm water can aid in sweet cravings and weight control. Including these ingredients  in to your daily routine may prevent or delay PCOS, especially for those with a genetic predisposition.
  • Live a stress-free life- To manage PCOS, it’s important to take breaks from daily routines. Engage in yoga and pranayama, spend time in nature, practice meditation, and enjoy moments with loved ones are some of the effective PCOS remedies. Service to others can also provide a stress-relieving and fulfilling experience.