Abstract

AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO PCOS: A REVIEW ARTICLE

Dr. Deepti Durgapal* and Dr. Pravesh Tomar

ABSTRACT

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age and one of the leading causes of female infertility that has no specific aetiology. It manifests as a group of symptoms. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown; however it has been linked to hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance The sedentary lifestyle, dietary variations, lack of exercise, stress etc. are also the contributory factors. It is characterized by menstrual irregularities, infertility, obesity, hirsutism and numerous follicular cysts in enlarged ovaries. Available treatments for PCOS are only moderately effective at controlling symptoms and preventing complications. Though in Ayurveda this condition has not been explained as a single disease entity, but it can be related to certain specific disorders such as jataharini and artava dushti. Pushpaghni jataharini mentioned in kasyapa samhitha presents a clinical picture somewhat similar to that of PCOS This paper reviews the contemporary and Ayurvedic perspectives of PCOS and benefits of life style modifications in its prevention and management.

Keywords: Artavadushti, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, pushpaghni jataharini.