The polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known as hyperandrogenic anovulation (HA), is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age.

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects approximately 5- 10% of women between the ages of 12 and 45. This condition causes a woman's hormones to be out of balance, causing symptoms such as infertility, irregular menstruation, difficulty conceiving, weight gain, acne, and hirsutism. When left untreated, PCOD, also called PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), can lead to diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and high cholesterol. 

Women's PCOS negatively impacts their lives and may cause serious anxiety and psychological disorders. The psychological burden varies greatly according to geography and societal perceptions. As a result of PCOS, these patients may experience stress and may be at greater risk of depression and anxiety disorders, which can even lead to suicidal thoughts.

PCOS can be managed well to reduce symptoms and its long-term effects

The treatment of PCOS should not only alleviate symptoms but also prevent long-term complications.

Any sickness is viewed as an imbalance of doshas in the ancient science of Ayurveda. PCOS is categorized as a kapha condition in Ayurveda. The organ in the female body that controls reproduction is known as artava dhatu, and the passageway where the ovarian fluid travels is known as artavavaha srota. When too much kapha interferes with these fluids' and channels' normal, balanced flow, PCOS is the result. In addition to PCOS symptoms, movement is restricted and metabolism is impaired.

The main causes of PCOS are poor nutrition and lifestyle choices, such as mental stress and a lack of exercise, as well as extended and excessive use of hormonal birth control tablets.

Common symptoms of PCOS-

• Menstruation may be irregular due to less frequent ovulation in irregular menstrual cycles (release of an egg)
• Some PCOS patients experience amenorrhoea, or no periods, sometimes for years.
• Excessive development of face or body hair (or both)
• Acne
• Loss of scalp hair
• Reduced fertility (difficulty in conceiving), caused by infrequent or nonexistent ovulation
• Mood swings, including despair and anxiety
• Obesity
• Insulin sensitivity

In patients with PCOS, lifestyle changes are a prerequisite to any treatment. Losing excess weight can greatly improve the symptoms and overall risk of long-term health problems associated with PCOS in overweight and obese patients. Just 5% weight loss can significantly improve PCOS. By losing excess weight, overweight women can greatly improve their symptoms and reduce their risk of developing long-term health problems from PCOS.

Ayurveda’s view in Management of PCOS

Ayurveda has a comprehensive strategy to manage PCOS. The goal of individualized care is to cure the disease's underlying cause and restore the body's natural balance.

The guidelines for ayurvedic PCOS therapy are as follows:

• Ayurvedic body detoxification
• Increasing the capacity and vitality of the female reproductive system
• Correcting an imbalance in hormones
• Addressing insulin resistance and obesity
• The first line of PCOS treatment is panchakarma. Following a thorough assessment, an ayurveda specialist creates a customized regimen.

By eliminating toxins from the reproductive system, including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and vagina, panchakarma addresses the underlying reason. Virechana (therapeutic purgation) and uttar basti (uterovaginal enema) are a few of the common techniques used in Ayurveda.

After panchakarma, the female reproductive system is balanced and revitalized using certain herbs and techniques. Phytoestrogen, which is abundant in Ayurvedic medicines, has been shown to significantly reduce insulin resistance and inflammation.

Herbal Treatment

The following Ayurvedic medicines and mixtures are helpful for treating PCOS:

• Shatavari herb (Asparagus racemosus)

• Varuna (Crataeva nurvala)

• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
• Pippali (Piper longum)
• Bilva (Aegle marmelos)

• Agni mantha (Premna integrifolia)
• Punarnava (Boerhavia)

• Guduchi (Premna integrifolia)
• Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica )

Ayurvedic formulations

• Varunadi Kashayam
• Chitrakadi Vati
• Triphala Guggul
• Punarnavadi Kashayam
• Shatavari Gulam

PCOS can also be managed through physical activity. It reduces the risk of developing related long-term health problems and improves symptoms. Exercising regularly has many benefits, including increased energy levels, improved self-confidence and motivation, reduced anxiety and depression, reduced insulin resistance, improved menstrual regularity and fertility, and weight loss or maintenance.

• Make informed decisions by seeking accurate health information from trusted sources
• Symptoms of PCOS should be treated physically
• Consult your doctor about your mood and psychological well-being
• Optimize your lifestyle
• Make sure you receive the best health care possible
• Tell your doctor what is most important to you.