THE IMPACT OF AYURVEDIC PANCHAKARMA THERAPY ON HORMONAL IMBALANCE IN WOMEN

Hormonal imbalances in women are increasingly recognised as a significant health issue globally, manifesting in conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, infertility, and irregular menstrual cycles. These imbalances are often linked to contemporary lifestyle factors, including stress, inadequate nutri-tion, and exposure to environmental pollutants. Conventional medical treatments tend to focus on managing symptoms through hormonal therapies, which can come with side effects and may not tackle the underlying causes. Ayurveda, an ancient medicinal system, advocates for restoring balance through natural methods, with Panchakarma as a key detoxification and rejuvenation technique. This therapy consists of five purification pro-cesses—Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, and Raktamokshana—designed to remove toxins, balance the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), and restore hormonal equilibrium. This review examines the role of Pan-chakarma therapy in addressing hormonal imbalances among women, integrating traditional Ayurvedic insights with modern scientific research. Recent studies suggest that Panchakarma can enhance endocrine function, im-prove metabolic health, and support reproductive wellness by focusing on vital physiological mechanisms, in-cluding liver detoxification, gut microbiota regulation, and adrenal function modulation. Specific Ayurvedic herbs, such as Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Guduchi, used alongside Panchakarma, have been shown to offer adaptogenic properties and help regulate hormones. Additionally, these therapies appear to alleviate stress-induced hormonal imbalances by lowering cortisol levels and enhancing the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The effectiveness of Panchakarma may vary based on individual factors like body constitution (Prakriti), commitment to follow-up care after treatment, and lifestyle changes. Further comprehen-sive clinical trials and integrative studies are necessary to understand its efficacy compared to traditional endo-crine therapies fully. This review emphasises the potential of Panchakarma as a holistic and sustainable strategy for managing hormonal imbalances in women, which might facilitate its incorporation into conventional medical approaches.