Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by an absence of rare ovulation in women due to the sex hormones imbalance (increased androgen production). This is one of the reasons for infertility and can result in more serious disorders like heart diseases or diabetes if not treated on time. As it is a hormonal disease, it can also have affect on the weight, skin, hair and nails of affected patients. It is believed the first symptoms occur in teenagers and can develop over a long time period. There is some evidence of genetic nature of the disease as well with PCOS occurring more frequently if family members had a history of it or diabetes either on mother’s or father’s side.
Causes
During ovulation one or more eggs are produced and released by female reproductive system, while in PCOS these eggs stay inside the sacs (follicles), forming small cysts inside ovaries. The disease is accompanied by others symptoms which are common for hormonal imbalance, such as changes in periods, prevalence of male sex characteristics, acne (other skin changes like dark markings), weight gain, fertility difficulties, depression, sleeping apnea, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes (type 2), liver and heart problems. PCOS is mostly risky as it has serious complications, among which there are endometrial cancer, infertility, obesity and breast cancer.
Ayurvedic approach
Herbal medicine proved themselves highly efficient both in conventional and Ayurvedic medicine. They are classified into those, regulating sex hormones imbalance (dandelion, milk thistle, false unicorn root); fighting insulin resistance (basil, fenugreek, tulsi and neem); cardiovascular ailments (flax seeds, primrose oil); reducing cysts (castor oil) along with benefits for muscle relaxation and lymph vessels, bowels, uterus and fallopian tubes. There are a number of Ayurvedic herbal medicine (Phak Grita, Chandraprabha, Ashokarishtam etc.), efficient for PCOS, but they should be taken in a complex with Panchakarma techniques, such as Vamanam, Virechanam, Vasti, Nasyam, Uttar Vasti. This can be assisted by a proper yoga techniques, recommended by your Ayurvedic doctor.