PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a medical condition in which the woman’s ovaries produce immature or partially mature eggs in large numbers. Over time, these become cysts in the ovaries. It is a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. A study by PCOS society states, one in every 10 women of reproductive age in India has polycystic ovary syndrome.

We all have heard or read about the symptoms of PCOD many times, but the causative factors are not well explained. Let’s see how Ayurveda explains the causative factors of PCOD. 

PCOD in Ayurveda can be understood in different ways like Artava Dushti Vikara, Rasa, Rakta, Meda, Shukra Srotasa Dushti Vikara, Santarpanjanya Vyadhi, Dhatvagnimandhya Janya Vyadhi, etc. Without going into much technical details, I would like to share some common causes or mistakes in lifestyle that make a woman prey to this metabolic disorder.  

Mistakes in our lifestyle- 

• Overeating, untimely eating, or skipping meals.
• Excessive intake of heavy food materials- eg maida, besan, fermented food, bakery products, dairy products, cheese, paneer, pasta, pizza, etc.
• Excessive intake of stimulants like tea or coffee, deep-fried food articles, fatty foods, spicy food, preserved or packed food like wafers, chips, papad, pickles, etc.
• Intake of stale food, cold and old food. 
• Virudhahara – It is a unique concept of Ayurveda. Virudhahar means combining two or more food articles that are not compatible with each other. Eg- Milkshakes, fruits with milk, cold and hot food articles combined together, hot brownies, etc. It is one of the important and foremost causes of PCOD.  Not only the cause it even affects the prognosis of the disease.
• Day sleeping- It must be avoided as much as possible. Mind development activities like reading, writing, DIY activities can help one from refraining from day sleep.
• Lack of exercise- It is a prime cause responsible for metabolic disorders mainly obesity, and diabetes. Regular exercise regulates the HPO axis and maintains the hormonal balance in the body.  
• Excessive stress levels- Anxiety, worry, and competitive nature may add up in disturbing the hormone levels in the body.
• Excessive riding on bikes, long hours in the gym, excess trekking, etc. beyond the physical strength of a lady may lead to emaciation of the body.

The measures that one must take up positively to prevent PCOD:

• Regular timely intake of freshly prepared warm food. Food must be a complete meal having Roti/Chapati or rice, vegetables, dal, buttermilk, etc.
• Adopt Regular exercise. It may include Suryanamaskaram, practicing Yoga-Asanas, skipping, swimming, cycling, etc.
• Try to balance work and personal life. Have an optimistic attitude. One can practice meditation for achieving the same.
• The menstrual regime known as Rajaswala Paricharya in Ayurveda must be followed strictly by every woman to prevent such disorders to hamper their health.  
• Early rise and early to bed must be followed judiciously by every woman. As the day and night cycles do have their effect on the hormones of our body. 

Every woman should give priority to her health. As PCOD is a metabolic disorder, medicines play only one-third part in its management. Food and lifestyle modifications are must for a long-term healthy living.  If you have any queries or would like to get connected with us, we are available at your services at AVPRF speciality clinic GOTRA. 

Stay healthy. Stay happy.