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Ayurveda for PCOD

Oct 21, 2011 | By Carol Sarao
Ayurveda for PCOD
Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

PCOD, or polycystic ovary disease, is a fairly common condition among women of reproductive age. Also referred to as PCOS -- or polycystic ovary syndrome -- the disorder is usually indicated by many small, benign cysts on your ovaries, menstrual irregularities and other symptoms. Your physician may treat your PCOD with low doses of estrogen and progesterone. In Ayurveda, diseases are believed to result from imbalances in the doshas, or energy centers; practitioners use holistic and herbal techniques to bring doshas back into balance. Consult your doctor before taking Ayurvedic remedies.

PCOD Features

Aside from irregular menstrual periods, PCOD can cause obesity and impair fertility. You may also show symptoms of elevated levels of male hormones called androgens, resulting in excess hair growth -- or hirsutism -- and acne. The causes of PCOD are unknown, but the condition is linked to inflammation and excess insulin; genetics may also play a role. PCOD can raise your risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, uterine cancer and other serious health complications. If you have menstrual irregularities -- often the first symptom of PCOD -- MayoClinic.com advises seeing your doctor.

Guggul

To address and alleviate obesity, insulin resistance and irregular menstruation associated with PCOD, your Ayurvedic practitioner may prescribe guggul. Derived from the resin of the plant botanically known as Commiphora mukul, guggul contains acetate extracts called guggulsterones. Drugs.com, which provides peer-reviewed medical information to consumers, credits guggul with reducing harmful LDL cholesterol and fats in the blood in clinical studies, as well as having potent anti-inflammatory effects. Guggulsterones may also stimulate thyroid activity and promote weight loss. Dr. Rajesh Nair, an Ayurvedic doctor in Quilon, India, recommends treating PCOD with guggul in conjunction with other Ayurvedic herbs, including bitter melon and fenugreek seeds. Although no significant adverse effects have been reported from guggul in clinical studies, possible side effects include mild headache, hiccups and rash. Consult your doctor before taking guggul.

Yashti-Madhu, or Licorice

Licorice -- or yashti-madhu -- is obtained from the yellowish root of the subtropical shrub botanically known as Glycyrrhiza glabra. The active constituent in licorice root, a triterpene called glycyrrhizin, has anti-inflammatory effects; phytoestrogens in licorice root may also play a role in its beneficial effects on PCOD. According to Digital Naturopath, clinical studies have supported the ability of a combination of licorice and peony root to lower serum testosterone levels and induce ovulation in women with PCOS. Licorice is considered safe in quantities used in food, but can raise blood pressure and cause other serious side effects in high amounts. Consult your doctor before taking licorice root.

Lifestyle Changes

Ayurveda also uses lifestyle changes to treat PCOD symptoms and to purify, detoxify and balance the body. Your Ayurvedic practitioner may recommend that you eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates, with an emphasis on brown rice and whole wheat. Dr. Nair endorses amalaki, or Indian gooseberry, as particularly beneficial for PCOD. Fenugreek, cumin and bitter melon -- all of which may lower blood sugar and help to reduce insulin resistance -- may also be advised. Other lifestyle changes to treat PCOD include Yoga poses intended to regulate endocrine metabolism, pranayamas -- or breathing exercises -- and losing weight. Ayurvedic practitioner Dr. S. Senthil Kumar notes that losing as little as 10 percent of your body weight can help to promote menstrual regularity in PCOD patients. Kumar recommends mild aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming and jogging.

References

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Oct 21, 2011

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