By  Dr.Neeru Virmani  

When a lady comes to Dr and asks over help for painful irregular menstruation cycle, over weight, dandruff and unwanted hair growths etc.  Though this seems that this is the simple case of irregular production of interconnected hormones like thyroid, pituitary but story takes a new turn when Ultrasonography and X-rays suggest that this polycystic ovarian syndrome.     

Polycystic ovarian disorder is wide spread malaise that can lead infertility too.  There is a need to be educated, instead of to lose courage, let us know about the P.C.O.D or P.C.O.S.

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.

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.

According to modern medical science polycystic ovarian syndrome is described as a collection of clinical and biochemical features, for which the etiology remains poorly understood. It is usually thought to be a female hormonal imbalance. Polycystic ovarian syndrome often affects several family members and is aggravated by obesity. Current theories indicate that above normal anterior-pituitary LH secretion leads to over stimulation of the ovarian theca cells, causing excessive androgen production (predominantly testosterone and androstenedione). Low FSH levels mean that ovarian granulosa cells fail to adequately convert these androgens into oestrogens, leading to ovulatory impairment and the development of unruptured cysts. Associated hyperinsulinaemia causes dyslipidaemia and increased plasminogen activation, thought to increase the risk of intravascular thrombosis. However, recent research has cast doubt on the presence of increased cardiovascular risk among sufferers of the syndrome once the effect of diabetes and obesity has been excluded. 

About the ovary and what are ovarian cysts:

The ovary (female gonad) is one of a pair of reproductive glands in women that are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs (ova) and female hormones. The ovaries are the main source of female hormones, which control the development of female body characteristics, such as the breasts, body shape, and body hair. They also regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Ovarian cysts are closed, sac-like structures within an ovary that contain a liquid, gaseous, or semisolid substance.

The symptoms of PCOS:

1. Irregular or no menstrual periods

2. Acne

3. Obesity, and

4. Excess hair growth

Other signs and symptoms of PCOS include:

·                          weight gain,

·                          acne,

·                          oily skin,

·                          dandruff,

·                          infertility,

·                          skin discolorations,

·                          high cholesterol levels,

·                          elevated blood pressure, and

·                          Abnormal hair growth and distribution.

Ayurvedic management and treatment:

Symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome are infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding, infertility or inability to get pregnant because of non ovulating, increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes, Acne, oily skin, or dandruff, Pelvic pain, Weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist, Type 2 diabetes, High cholesterol, High blood pressure, Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair, Patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs and Skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
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 -
FSH & LH levels with ratio The levels of FSH & LH vary according to the stage of menstruation, but the ratio should always be is more then two. In POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME a ratio of around 4 and above may be noted.
 Pelvic ultrasound USG shows a honeycomb of partially developed follicles coating the ovaries.

Ayurveda suggests that this is a Vata type disorder, though the involvement of other dosha can be there but in some measure.

Medicine:

There are many medicines, which have been shown very marvelous and highly effective as well as without any side-effects results.   Here are some names of them:

Poorna chandodaya ras, Kanyalauhadi bati, Pushpdhanva Ras, Ashok Churna Dashmool preparations, Ashwagandha, Shatawari, Pushyanug Churna etc

Panchkarma

1. - The Basti (the enema therapy) is the best choice to bring Vata in physiological proportion. The MATRA Basti and UTTER Basti are highly efficient to calm down Vata dosha.
2. Abhyangam the whole body massage with anti-Vata oils
3. SWEDAN or steaming with anti Vata herbs
4. Upnaha or poultice (A medical dressing consisting of a soft heated mass of herbal preparation that is spread on a cloth and applied to the skin to treat inflamed areas or improve circulation etc)

Yoga

Miss Charlotte from Australia, H. Thompson from U.S.A, Mrs Sudharma Kutti from New Delhi and Edwina from Germany send the requisitions to seek the ayurvedic treatment of P.C.O.S. if you have any inquiry or curiosity about ayurvedic treatment of any disease please mail us. We shall try to serve you the authentic knowledge of ayurvedic treatment of concerning disease.

Editor

J.A.Y.(Journal of ayurveda and yoga)

Mail: info@ayurvedic-healings.com