Ayurveda Specialist Dr. Dixa Bhavsar Shares Her Expertise on Management of PCOS in a Holistic Way

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) is a condition in which a woman’s hormones get out of balance. Women with PCOS produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones. So how come these hormones go out of balance? Well, we have several things to be blamed for. Want to know what they are?

Check out the list. I have enlisted common causes responsible for disturbing the natural hormonal balance.

• Lack of ovulation (causes infertility)
• Insulin resistance (could lead to diabetes)
• Inflammation (swelling)
• Genes
• Obesity (Excessive weight)
• Hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone disorder)

Now let’s get to know the real culprits behind obesity, insulin resistance, Hypothyroidism and so on. Surprise-Surprise: You’re all well acquainted with the culprits already. In fact, they have become your best friends these days. Want me to remind you who I am talking about?? Ok so hear me out. These are the real culprits responsible for causing hormonal imbalance:

• Laziness (lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle) Yeah we all have a desk job, have to sit the whole day. No time for exercise (silly excuses).
• Fast food, processed food– with lots & lots of sugar and salt in them (well who doesn’t love them), also stale and fried food (yeah everybody loves French fries, I know even I do).
• Stress (mental stress, environmental stress, work- stress) hell yes, everybody is stressed to the core.
• Insomnia (improper/disturbed night sleep, not able to sleep until late, lack of sound-sleep, sleeping during the day- time).
• Less water intake (yes everybody is really busy and we have an AC in every next office, so nobody is thirsty, why bother to drink water every hour huh!).

Told you, you are more than just acquainted with them, actually best-friends these days. Yeah, we hang with them all day long, right?

Now let’s learn about the common symptoms of PCOS.

• Irregular periods or no periods at all.
• Difficulty getting pregnant (because of irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate)
• Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) – usually on the face, chest, and back (androgens doing)
• Weight gain (most common)
• Mood swings (pretty much happens to all with or without PCOD)
• Thinning hair and hair loss from the scalp
• Acne/ oily skin (worst nightmare)
• Depression (Don’t ignore it)
• Anxiety (Restlessness & panic attacks)
• Decreased libido (sex drive)
• Skin darkening in groins, neck and other creases.
• Sleep apnoea (It’s a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts)

You must know here that they manifest in a variety of ways and not everyone experiences the same symptoms. It’s different for everybody ladies so no comparisons here.

That’s all about the causes & symptoms. Before getting to the treatment, just remember, all it takes to heal is breathing deep, eating smart, moving right & sleeping fine, alright ladies!

Ayurvedic Treatment & Management Guidelines for PCOS

• The first step towards treatment is “prevention of the causes” aka ‘Nidana parivarjan’ in Ayurveda. You got to lose all the ties with the best friends. Let me remind you about those besties again. Laziness, fast food, stress, insomnia, less water intake & improper sleep which eventually leads to obesity, insulin resistance & hormonal imbalance.
• Say No to Medicines- Yeah you heard it right. It does no permanent good to your body. Hormonal pills just provide symptomatic relief, that’s it. May cause side-effects. So better, avoid them.
• Exercise- That’s non-negotiable ladies. You got to lose unhealthy weight in order to stay fit. Yoga, Suryanamaskaras, kapalbhati & anuloma pranayam, skipping- helps if done religiously. You can also go for power yoga, zumba, dance, gym- whatever makes you feel better. It’s up to you (30 min atleast).
• Healthy Food- No other alternative lovelies. Stop all processed food (yeah all your favourites I’m talking about). Start eating home-cooked, fresh, delicious food. Legumes, complex carbs, protein is all your tummy needs. You can even go gluten-free if you have digestive issues (not compulsory though). Fruits & veggies are a great choice. In short, EAT CLEAN. No non-veg, fried, stale and junk.
• Avoid Plastic- No plastic tiffins, bottles & containers. Stop cooking in aluminium & non-stick pans. Switch to copper, brass & earthen cookware.
• Stress Management: That’s got to be your priority. Following activities can help you with that
• Listening to soothing music. Reading a book.
• Getting 8 hours of quality sleep every night.
• Making an effort to eliminate toxic relationships & people from your life.
• 20-30 minutes of yoga or meditation every day.
• 5 days per week of quality exercise.
• 30 minutes per day of activities that you find relaxing and enjoyable (something that YOU love).

Just following these easy steps will get you rid of PCOS just fine without medications.

Amazing, isn’t it? Then go for it ladies. What are you waiting for!!

About Author:

Dr. Dixa Bhavsar is a qualified Ayurveda Doctor (BAMS). A true devotee and lover of the Ayurvedic regime, Dr. Dixa credits the poignancy of her lifestyle to the holistic Ayurvedic regime and its magical healing powers. She believes Ayurveda is not just a treatment modality unlike other systems of medicines.