Insight into Ayurvedic management of PCOS through Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa

The female reproductive system is primarily controlled by hypothalamo - pituitary - ovarian (HPO) axis. Alterations in the proper functioning of HPO axis can leads to metabolic and endocrine disorders such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). It is characterized by menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovarian morphology. As it is a syndrome, to find out an exact ayurvedic co-relation is difficult. The various conditions associated with PCOS shows similarities with Pushpagni Jathaharini, Nashtartava, Artava Kshaya, Granthi, Sthoulya etc. In the present case, a 23-year-old female patient complains of irregular menstrual cycle with the interval of 2-3 months along with heavy bleeding during periods for 7-8 days duration and polycystic ovaries seen in ultrasonography report in the last 5 years associated with sudden weight gain. Both Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa adopted in this condition. Improvement was noted in both the symptoms as well as in USG report.