Yogic intervention along with lifestyle modifications in the management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-induced hirsutism

Hirsutism (~ Atiloma ) is the presence of excessive terminal hairs in a male pattern in women due to hyperandrogenism, which also represents as a primary clinical feature of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Hirsutism is frequently linked with reduced quality of life and significant psychological distress. Social stigma around hirsutism often leads to psychological distress, particularly in 5%–15% of affected women. Nowadays, many depilation techniques such as plucking, threading, shaving, waxing, electrolysis, and photo epilation are available which may cause complications such as skin lesions, minor burns, scarring, inflammation, folliculitis, and hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, conventional therapies are often expensive and time-consuming, with limited efficacy or unwanted side effects. In this case report, a 22-year-old female patient visited Swasthavritta and Yoga Out-Patient Department with chief complaints of facial hair, obesity, and irregular menstrual cycles for more than five years. She underwent allopathic treatment before visiting the Ayurveda hospital but did not get any significant relief. The treatment protocol as per Ayurveda included Vamanadhauti (~cleansing of digestive tract achieved by administration of emesis or vomiting) in the early morning under the supervision of an expert once a week for six months, along with dietary and lifestyle modifications to address the underlying metabolic and hormonal imbalances. Monthly follow-ups were conducted, with clinical assessments including modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) scores and laboratory evaluations at baseline and during the follow-up. The treatment resulted in significant improvements, including reduced hirsutism (mFG score from 16 to 10), regularized menstrual cycles, effective weight management and marked improvements in hormonal profile in terms of endocrine balance, indicating better management. Through the case report, it can be inferred that Vamanadhauti combined with dietary and lifestyle modifications has significant potential in managing PCOS-induced hirsutism with notable enhancement in the patient’s quality of life.