Understanding PCOS and Its Treatment Many women face a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which affects one out of every ten women. PCOS can affect women as young as 18 and as old as 44. There are best and natural ways to manage and control it. Ayurvedic treatment is one such approach that has shown promise in managing and, in some cases, potentially curing PCOS. PCOS, originally known as Stan Levanthal Syndrome, begins with a hormonal imbalance. This condition is more common in younger women and adolescents. It's called a "syndrome" because it causes various hormone-related problems. PCOS affects around 5 to 10 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 44. The definition of this condition is constantly evolving, making it a bit challenging to understand fully. It's hard to pinpoint the exact number of affected women, but roughly one in every ten women displays symptoms of PCOS. Most women experience its effects between the ages of 20 and 40, but it can even affect 11-year-old girls. A family history of diabetes, PCOS, or obesity can increase the risk of developing this condition. PCOS and its sister condition PCOD can lead to various health problems, even if there are no cysts in the ovaries. The treatment approach varies for each patient based on their diagnosis and case. PCOS can lead to issues beyond irregular periods and infertility. It's associated with problems like insomnia, shortness of breath, insulin issues, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, along with high blood pressure. Weight gain is also common, which can be exacerbated by lifestyle choices and a poor diet. Weight gain is often due to insulin resistance and an increase in the androgen hormone, further contributing to hormonal imbalances. In terms of hormones, the ovaries play a significant role. They produce a variety of chemicals that control different aspects of the body. One of these hormones is estrogen, often referred to as "female hormones" because they are more common in women than in men. On the flip side, the ovaries also produce androgens, often known as "male hormones" because they are more prevalent in men than in women. However, women with PCOS tend to produce more androgens while having lower levels of estrogen. This hormonal imbalance can lead to irregular ovulation and the development of ovarian cysts. It also causes increased hair growth on the body. Insulin plays a crucial role by regulating blood sugar levels. When the body's cells don't respond properly to insulin, blood sugar levels rise, and the body produces more insulin. Increased insulin production is a major factor in the development of PCOS. This also leads to increased appetite and overeating, resulting in weight gain. Lifestyle changes are essential. This includes adopting a low-calorie diet and putting in the effort to lose weight through exercise and other healthy habits. Weight loss can help control PCOS symptoms, even a small reduction in weight can make a difference. It can help with ovulation, reduce acne, and lower the risk of diabetes. Treatment options for PCOS include contraceptive pills, insulin-sensitizing agents, and anti-androgen agents. For those not looking to become pregnant, hormonal contraceptives are the primary treatment. These pills contain estrogen and progesterone, which help regulate abnormal hormone levels in the ovaries and control androgen levels. Hormonal contraceptive pills with low androgen levels tend to be the most effective. PCOS typically presents two common signs in women: 1. Irregular or absent ovulation, which affects the menstrual cycle. This can result in very light or infrequent periods, or sometimes no periods at all. These women may need hormonal tablets, and some may later experience infertility. Excessive androgen hormones can lead to increased body hair, acne, or hair loss on the scalp. 2. The term "polycystic" refers to the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries. Ultrasound exams show three characteristics of polycystic ovaries: enlarged ovaries, numerous small follicles, and increased stromal echogenicity. In such cases, the ovaries grow in size, often reaching 6 ml. Many women opt for Ayurvedic treatment for PCOS due to its minimal side effects and independence from harsh hormonal or chemical interventions. Ayurveda treats diseases holistically, considering factors like the condition of the disease, its severity, the patient's age, overall health, and digestive strength. Ayurvedic treatments can effectively bring PCOS symptoms back to normal. Specific herbs, such as Kuberaksh, Kumari, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Hingu, and Guggulu, can be highly beneficial when used correctly in the treatment of PCOS. Dr. Yogesh Chavan, MD (Ayu. Kerala), is an experienced Ayurvedic doctor who has successfully treated many patients with PCOS/PCOD.