PCOS is a very common health complaint in young and adult females. Polycystic ovar syndrome is also known as Polycystic ovarian disease or PCOD. This is called as syndrome because of involvement of many different body parts and manifestation of many symptoms together - such as - insulin resistance , obesity, irregular cycle menstrual bleeding (in most cases, excessive menstrual bleeding), abnormal periods & cycle, lack of ovum production (anovulation) etc.
Organs involved in Polycystic Ovary disease-
1. Overies - the female gonad organ, present at the either sides of the uterus.
2. Adrenal glands - The glands which are placed just above the both the kidneys.
3. Pancreas - Gland that produces insulin in our body.
4. Pituitary gland - the gland just below the brain, which is resonsible for all the hormonal control.
There is increased production of Androgen (a hormone) by the ovaries, which suppressess the maturation of ovarian follicles (ovarian follicles lead to ovum). So, ovum does not get properly formed and released (anovulation). Remember that ovum meets with the sperm during sexual intercourse leading to conception. So, in a case of PCOD, the lady usually will be having problem with conception.
How frequent is the problem of PCOs?
The incidence rate is between 0.5 – 4 per cent, more common amongt infertile women. It is prevalent in young reproductive period.
Typically, the ovary enlarged two to five times the normal size. Stroma is increased. The out covering capsule of ovary-enlarged is thickened and pearly white in color. Overies will have many cysts within.
Tissue-wise there is thickening of tunica albugenia. The cysts are follicles at varying stages of maturation and atresia. There is theca cell hypertrophy (stromal hyperthecosis). Patient may present with features of diabetes mellitus (insulin resistance).
Cystic symptoms -
Iincreasing obesity, menstrual abnormalities in the form of less menstrual bleeding, absence of menstruation, or abnormally high and irregular bleeding and infertility. There may be abnormal frowth of hair at different places of the body. The patient may not always be obese.
In some patients, due to insulin resistance, a dark colored band like skin lesion may be developed at the back of the neck, inner thighs and axilla, called as Acanthosis nigricans.
Internally - bilateral enlarged cystic ovaries which however may not be revealed due to obesity.
Investigations:
Ultra sonography (USG) scanning and laproscopy – reveals the polycystic ovaries.
OVERALL VIEW OF PCOD -
1. Hypothalamic – pituitary compartment abnormality:
Stimulation of GnRH leads to increased LH. (leutinizing Harmone). Leading to increased secretion of LH and decrease of FSH (Follicle stimulating Hormone) - This way, Hormonal imbalance is triggered in PCOD.
2. Androgen excess – in some patients the excessive production of Androgen by ovaries and adrenal glands. Excessive androgen production is partially influenced by excessive LH. Increased insulin levels also results in androgen excess.
3. Anovulation (absence of ovum production)
Because of low levels of Follicle stimulating hormone, follicle growth inside the ovary is arrested leading to absense of ovum production (anovulation ) further leading to infertility.
4. Relationship between obesity, insulin production and PCOD
Obesity is recognized as an important contributory factor. It also induces insulin resistance and increased levels of insulin in blood, which in turn increases the androgen production.
Insulin resistance means that the body cells will not respond to the effect of insulin. So, though the body is trying to compensate by producing more and more insulin, leading to high levels of insulin, but thus produced insulin will be inefficient to metabolise the glucose in the body. So, the body becomes resistant to isnulin, menas the body will not respond to isnulin.
Long term consequences in a patient suffering from PCOD –
Excess androgens (predominantly androstenedione) leads to thickening (hyperplasia) of the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium).
Risk of developing diabetes mellitus due to insulin resistance.
Risk of hypertension and abnormally high lipid profile.
Pregnancy PCOS –
Because of hormonal imbalance, there will be lack of ovulation (release of egg). Release of egg is a normal phenomenon occurring 0n 14th day. But in PCOS, because of lack of reease of egg, some patients will have difficulty in conceiving.
PCOS Treatment –
Treatment of PCOD needs individualistic approach because, not all the sypmtoms might be seen in all the patients.
It depends on the presenting symptoms, like menstrual abnormalities, infertility, obesity, hirsutism or combined symptoms.
Biochemical abnormities to be corrected –
Hyper- androgenism,
Hyper secretion of LH (correction of hormonal balance), .
High levels of insulin &
Low Follicle stimulating hormone (again related to hormone imbalance management.)
Weight reduction in obese patients is the first line of treatment. Body mass index (BMI)< 25 improves the menstrual abnormalities, hirsutism and infertility.
Ayurvedic herbal remedy for PCOD -
Ayurvedic treatment is by applying a multi-pronged approach towards -
- correct hormonal imbalance,
- treatment to obesity and avoiding high cholesterol levels,
- treatment to isnulin resisstance.
- treatment to induce ovulation.
1. Correcting hormonal imbalance:
there are many herbs useful in correcting the hormonal imbalance. Ashoka (saraca asoca), Dashamoola (a group of ten herbal roots) a group of herbs useful in preparation of Sukumara Kashaya like Ashwagandha, Eranda, Shatavari etc. are useful in correcting the hormonal imbalance. A purely Ayurvedic herbal product called Gynaven tablets have the above mentioned combination, which is effective in decreasing the levels of LH and increasing the levels of FSH leading to improved functioning of ovaries, further leading to normal ovulation, and proper production and release of ovaries.
The dose of Gynaeven tablets is two tablets three times a day. Gynaeven also helps to improve the chance for pregnancy in PCOS lady.
2. Treatment to obesity:
Treatment to obesity and specifically against cholesterol can be achieved by using Ayurvedic herbal remedy called as Lomedus tablets. It contains many vital herbal ingredients such as Triphala, Guggulu etc.. the efficacy of which is well established against high levels of cholesterol.
Dosage of Lomedus tablets: one tablet two to three times a day. on a longer course, 9after two to three months, dosage can be reducesd to one tablet two times a day.
3. Treatment insuin resistance:
Treatment for insulin resistance involves a time consuming approach with effective Ayurvedic herbal tablet called Setebid tablets.
Dosage of setebid tablets- two tablets three times a day. and after two to three months, dosage can be slowly decreased.
About the manufacturer of the products mentioned in this article –
All the products that are described in the blog are manufactured by AVN Ayurveda Formulations Pvt Ltd, a 79 year old organization, involved in authentic and high quality Ayurvedic herbal product manufacturing and marketing.
AVN does not manufacture any product with heavy metal ingredient.
This online Ayurvedic herbal shop is backed by strong customer care service, sincerity and promptness. The products purchased are delivered to the customers (to any part of the world within maximum 7 to 8 days.
Coclusion:
The PCOD or PCOS is a common complaint in women, which can be effectively managed using Ayurvedic herbal remedies and herbal medicines.
A multi - pronged approach taking care of different organs and glads is necessary.
Not all the symptoms are manifested in all the cases of PCOD. but irregular periods is seen in common in many.
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Regards,
Dr Janardhana V Hebbar MD (Ayu)
+91 90431 26087
