Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a serious issue that 1 in 10 women of childbearing age face today. It is when the hormones are out of balance and there is an excess of androgen in the body caused by overproduction of insulin. This causes ovulation to become more difficult. The ovaries of the women affected contain small benign cysts that are collections of fluid called follicles, making the ovaries swell. This doesn’t allow the eggs to be released on a regular basis.
One of the factors that leads to this health issue is excess of insulin in the body, causing the body to not respond to insulin any longer. That increases the level of androgen in the body causing cysts. Excess LH hormone production in the body that causes the ovaries to be stimulated can also lead to this condition. Other causes are low-grade inflammation and family genetics.
It causes problems with mensuration, unwanted hair growth and over time lead to health problems like diabetes, cardio issues, infertility, miscarriage, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, abnormal bleeding, endometrial cancer and gestational diabetes. Although there is no cure, there are methods to control the aggravation of this health problem.
Symptoms of PCOS are acne, weight gain, excess body hair, thinning hair on the scalp, irregular periods, fertility issues, depression. Diagnosis is usually done by checking for the symptoms, pelvic exam, blood tests, ultrasound, lipid level tests, and thyroid function tests.
The common medications available for PCOS are as below:
- Menstrual cycle regulations – birth control pills, Progestin therapy
- Ovulating medications – Clomid, Femara, Glucophage, Fortamet, Gonadotropins
- Excess hair growth medications – birth control pills, Aldactone, Vaniqua, and Electrolysis
Many times this issue is dismissed as being normal whereas it shouldn’t be because are not made aware what the irregularities of menstrual cycle are. The environment stressors are not acknowledged and properly dealt with most of the time. The taking on of many responsibilities and keeping busy are viewed as a sign of victory as deteriorating health is somewhat ignored. When bigger symptoms of diseases that are of a much harsher nature pops up in middle age, suddenly a concern is build. Then begins the consistent intake of prescription pills that suppresses the symptoms temporarily.
This, in fact, shouldn’t be the case when there are various outlets of stress including yoga, light exercise, walking and nervine herbs that helps calm the mind. PCOS is mainly due to stress and not taking proper nutrition. In Ayurveda, the reproductive system is the greatest indicator of health and Ojas, the vital fluid in the body that maintains the overall health of the body. With this being said, tonification of the reproductive system with the proper care of the stress causing factors, the probability of health issues relating to the reproductive system can be curbed by a large percentage.
Herbs that can be used for relief are
- Licorice – anti-inflammatory, regulates estrogen, hormone balancing, menstrual irregularities, PMS
- Red Raspberry – Ovarian cysts, anti-inflammatory, lowers blood sugar, prevents miscarriages, astringent, cramps, nutritive, menstrual irregularities, menstrual pain, regulates menstruation
- Saw Palmetto – Excess androgen, ovarian cysts, ovarian energy increase
Ayurvedic tonics like Ashwagandha, Shatavari and Bala can be used as tonics for the reproductive system as well. Dong Quai from Chinese Traditional Medicine is also a tonic. Nervines like Valerian, Gotu Kola, or Jatamamsi can be used for the pain and stress.
Contraindications:
- Licorice – take only the recommended amount. Contraindicated for low basal metabolic or thyroid rate, heart problems, hypertension, pregnancy, taking digitalis and for people allergic to legumes. May raise blood pressure.
- Red Raspberry – tannins may block the kidney nephron activity
- Saw Palmetto – mild stomach upset
Lifestyle recommendations:
- Keep the weight in control
- Regular insulin check ups
- Eat food that are rich in Omega-3 fats