Are you struggling with irregular periods, stubborn weight gain, or pesky acne? You might be dealing with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), the cause of hormonal imbalances affecting women and adolescent girls worldwide.

1. What Exactly is PCOS?

PCOS isn’t just a single disease, it’s a complex syndrome involving multiple body systems. At its core, PCOS disrupts the delicate hormonal dance in your body, affecting your ovaries’ ability to produce mature eggs. 

This hormonal havoc can wreak chaos on your menstrual cycles, metabolism, and fertility. Beyond the ovaries, PCOS can impact your thyroid, hypothalamus, liver, kidneys, and pancreas—affecting your whole body.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

PCOS is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and tests. Doctors typically look for at least two of the following criteria:

1. Irregular periods or no ovulation, indicating hormonal imbalance.
2. Excess androgen levels (male hormones), which can cause symptoms like acne, excessive hair growth, or hair loss.
3. Polycystic ovaries, which can be detected through an ultrasound showing enlarged ovaries with multiple small follicles.

2. How Does Ayurveda View PCOS?

In Ayurveda, PCOS is viewed through multiple lenses of “Arthava Vyapat” (menstrual disorders):

• Arthava Kshaya—prolonged gaps between menstrual cycles.
• Asrgdhara—irregular or heavy bleeding.
• Beejadushti—metabolic changes and genetic factors.
• Pushpaghni Jataharini—delayed puberty, anovulatory cycles, acne, obesity, and hirsutism.

Ayurveda recognizes PCOS as an imbalance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Doshas, requiring a multi-faceted approach to healing.

3. What are Common PCOS Symptoms?

• Stubborn weight gain despite a controlled diet.
• Irregular menstrual cycles.
• Acne and dry skin.
• Skin discoloration.
• Excess hair growth on face and body.
• Fertility challenges.

4. What Causes PCOS?

From the perspective of Ayurveda, PCOS is often viewed as a result of imbalances in the body’s fundamental energies, combined with lifestyle and environmental influences.

• Tridosha imbalance: (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha): In Ayurveda, an imbalance in the three doshas, particularly an excess of Kapha and Vata, can disrupt hormonal balance and ovarian function, contributing to PCOS.
• Chronic stress: Prolonged stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, particularly affecting cortisol levels, which can interfere with the normal functioning of the reproductive system.
• Elevated blood glucose levels: Insulin resistance, often associated with high blood sugar, can lead to increased androgen production, a key feature of PCOS.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can contribute to weight gain and metabolic issues, exacerbating hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS.
• Systemic inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the body can disrupt normal endocrine function and contribute to the development of PCOS symptoms.
• Genetic predisposition: While not a direct cause, having a family history of PCOS can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing the condition.

5. How Can Ayurveda Help Balance Hormones in PCOS?

1. Establish a self-care routine—prioritize sleep, gratitude, proper nutrition, and exercise.
2. Start your day right—drink warm water with lime juice or apple cider vinegar to support liver function.
3. Stress less—practice journaling or meditation to reduce stress hormones.
4. Move your body—yoga or other regular exercise helps control glucose and estrogen levels.
5. Embrace Surya Namaskar—sun salutations enhance your Agni (digestive fire) and support Pitta balance.
6. Mindful eating—opt for gluten-free, low-sugar, and low-carb options to bring Kapha in control. Choose quinoa, oats, and millets over refined grains.
7. Time your meals—make lunch your largest meal and finish dinner by 6 PM.
8. Food should be fresh, warm and timely depending on appetite. Limit the portion according to the feel of hunger
9. Use sesame oil for cooking—it is beneficial to control the fat and support reproductive tissue.
10. Early bed times near to 9:30 – 10 PM support the liver for functioning in metabolism levels
11. Do seasonal cleanses and support body with clean dietary choices
12. For a truly transformative experience, consider embarking on a Panchakarma, the ultimate Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapy. Expert Ayurvedic physicians will guide you through a personalized program of therapies, diet, and lifestyle practices designed to address the root causes of PCOS naturally and promote overall well-being.

6. What Ayurvedic Remedies can help with PCOS?

• Aloe vera—add 2 fresh cubes to salads or smoothies.
• Ginger—incorporate this anti-inflammatory spice into teas and cooking.
• Fenugreek—use in herbal teas and as a seasoning.
• Sesame seeds—enjoy as a dessert or in salads and smoothies.
• Try this hormone-balancing tea— boil ½ tsp of each fennel seeds, cumin seeds, ginger, and fenugreek in 3 cups of water for 10 minutes for a soothing and balancing brew.
• Menstrual-cycle regulating drink—boil 1 tsp sesame seed and ½ tsp palm sugar in 300 ml water for 10 minutes. Drink this once or twice a day.Sesame is best for balancing Vata while coconut sugar is good for Pitha not increasing the kapha. This drink also enrich body with calcium and iron supply.

7. What Ayurvedic Skincare Solutions Exist for PCOS?

Combat acne with this DIY face mask:

Mix equal parts of Amalaki powder, Arjuna powder, Manjistha powder, green tea powder, and oat powder with rose water. Apply for 15 minutes, then gently remove and follow with cucumber slices to clear pores.

For clearer skin:

1. Steam your face for 2 minutes.
2. Scrub with a mixture of oat powder and chickpea flour.
3. Rinse with cool water to close pores and reduce bacterial growth.