Welcome to the July issue of 'AFY-IAA Newsletter'.
So far we have published 14 eBOOKS on various topics in Ayurveda and our 15 th eBOOK 'Ayurvedic Management of Thyroid disorders ' has been published today on 1 st July 09.
| Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptom.
Causes of PCOS:
No one is quite sure what causes PCOS. Although women with PCOS often have a mother or sister with the condition, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that the condition may be inherited. The ovaries of women with PCOS frequently contain a number of small cysts, hence the name poly (many) cystic ovarian syndrome. A similar number of cysts may occur in women without PCOS. Therefore, the cysts themselves do not seem to be the cause of the problem. A malfunction of the body's blood sugar control system (insulin system) is frequent in women with PCOS, and researchers believe that these abnormalities may be related to the development of PCOS. It is known that the ovaries of women with PCOS produce excess amounts of male hormone known as androgen. This excessive production of male hormones may be a result of the abnormalities in insulin production.
Most common symptoms of PCOS :
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- Acne,oily skin, seborrhea.
- - enlarged ovaries with multiple small cysts, an abnormally high number of follicles at various states of maturation, and a thick, scarred capsule surrounding each ovary.
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- Oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea (primary or secondary)
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- Anovulation (lack of ovulation and therefore infertility)
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- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (abnormal bleeding patterns at mid cycles)
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- Hirsutism (excess hair growth, usually in a male pattern),
- Infertility
- - Insulin resistance (problems with blood sugar regulation)
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- Male-pattern hair loss and fat deposition
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- Weight gain, difficulties loosing weight, central obesity
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- Hyper pigmentation on neck and face
Ayurvedic View:
In Ayurveda Acharya Sushruta has mentioned Bandhya (Su/UT/38/10) a type of yonivyapada whose symptom is amenorrhoea or oligomenorrhoea. Similarly Acharaya Charaka has described Arajasaka (Ch/ChiS/30/17), a Yonivyapada indicating Amenorrhoea
A combination of classical history, close observation of patient and the following investigations are important tools to confirm a case of polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Ayurveda suggests that this is a Vata type disorder(Apan vata), though the involvement of other dosha can be there but in some measure. Ayurvedic Treatment
The treatment principle is to clear obstruction in the pelvis, normalise metabolism, Assist cleansing and regulate the menstrual system (arthava dhatu). Ayurveda has a wide range of phytosterols to strengthen ovarian functions. Various Ghritas like "Phalaghrita" are made from herbs and cow ghee are used to balance out hormones.
Aloe vera, cinnamon, fenugreek, amalki, honey, glycosugars, shilajit, shatawari, aswgandha, Kauncha, Vidarikand, salam, ashoka, are the useful herbs.
Herb "Latakaranj" (Caesalpinia crista) has shown encouraging results in PCOS cases.
Some of the other useful medicines include Arogyavardhini, Dashmool preparations, Kanchanar guggul, Pushyanug choorna, Chandraprabha etc.
The goal of herbal medicine is to reduce circulating androgens, optimizing ovarian function, and supporting optimal endocrine function.
Panchkarma -
- Basti (the enema therapy) is the best choice to bring Vata in physiological proportion. The Matra Basti and Uttar Basti are highly efficient to calm down Vata dosha.
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- Abhyangam the whole body massage with anti-Vata oils
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- Swedan or steaming with anti Vata herbs
- - Upnaha or poultice - A medical dressing consisting of a soft heated mass of herbal preparation or a castor oil packs
Yoga
Sarvagasana, Matsyasana, Ardhmatsyendrasana, Paschimottanasana, Surya namaskar, Ushtrasana and all backward bending asana are recommended but they should be try under the supervision of an expert.
Complete article is available on the website . Read it Here. |