An Ayurvedic Management of PCOS: A Review

The 2018 review by Chikhalekar and Bansode explored the Ayurvedic management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder affecting 5% to 10% of women of reproductive age. The authors noted that PCOS, which can cause menstrual irregularities, infertility, high levels of masculinising hormones, and metabolic syndromes, is not described as a single disease in Ayurveda, but falls under the categories of Yonivyapad and Artavadushti. The Ayurvedic treatment approach for PCOS aims to clear obstructions in the pelvis, treat Agnimandhya at the Jatharagni and Dhatwagni levels, alleviate Srotoavarodha, and regularize the Apana Vata. The authors concluded that PCOS can be effectively managed with Ayurvedic dietary management.