Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a female health condition in which many small cysts are present in the Ovaries. This condition is known by several names like Polycystic ovary disease, polycystic ovaries, Stein-Leventhal syndrome, or polyfollicular ovarian disease.

PCOS or Polycystic ovaries occurs among all races and nationalities. One in 10 women who have reached child bearing age are affected by this reproductive health condition. PCOS is a leading cause for female infertility.  According to statistics this condition currently affects millions of women globally

Normally in the menstrual cycle an egg gets matured and released. This egg travels through fallopian tube to reach uterus. In normal cycle a sac or follicle holds the egg till it gets matured and then the matured egg comes out by rupturing the follicle. This is known as ovulation. In PCOS the eggs in these sacs or follicles may not mature and eggs are not released. This altered process makes unmatured follicles or sacs build up in ovaries in the form of cysts. Since ovulation is not occurring and egg is not released each month, it is common for women with PCOS to have irregular or missed periods.

How can this condition be analysed based on ayurvedic principles?

Usually vitiation of tridoshas are reason for any imbalance in normal health.  Even PCOS are not an exception to this. Vata and pitta dosha play a major role in this condition. Vata and Pitta regulate the actions of endocrine glands and their secretions. Any imbalance in these two doshas can affect the delicate balance of hormones involved in ovulation and cause PCOS.

Imbalanced doshas vitiate the Kapha ,mamsa dhatu (muscle tissue) , Rakta dhatu (blood)  and meda dhatu (body fat).  This vitiation leads formation of small round inflammatory swellings called ‘Granthi’. These are very well explained in texts of Ayurveda as chapters of Yonirogas or arthavavyapad.