🔹 Author 

Dr. Sumana Patwardhan, MD (Ayurveda)
Consultant – Kayachikitsa & Panchakarma
Specializes in hormonal disorders, metabolic conditions, and women’s reproductive health with an integrative, evidence-based Ayurvedic approach.

Updated on Jan-26

Introduction

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) affect nearly 1 in 5 women in India, making them among the most common hormonal and reproductive conditions in women of reproductive age.

These conditions disturb normal ovulation and hormone balance and may cause:

• Irregular or missed periods

• Difficulty in conceiving

• Weight gain

• Acne and oily skin

• Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)

• Mood changes and anxiety

• Constant tiredness

PCOD and PCOS do not affect only the ovaries. They impact mental health, confidence, metabolism, fertility, and long-term lifestyle diseases.

Modern medicine mainly focuses on hormone regulation and insulin control. Ayurveda treats the root cause, focusing on digestion, metabolism, tissue nourishment, hormonal rhythm, mental balance, and lifestyle correction.

This guide explains PCOD and PCOS from both modern medical and Ayurvedic perspectives, clarifies diagnosis, and outlines safe, long-term Ayurvedic management.

Understanding PCOD vs. PCOS

Although often used interchangeably, PCOD and PCOS are not the same condition.

PCOD or PCOS – Which Is More Serious?

PCOD is usually a functional and lifestyle-related condition and often improves with diet correction, exercise, and simple treatment.

PCOS is a systemic hormonal and metabolic disorder. It requires long-term care because it can affect:

• Fertility

• Blood sugar

• Cholesterol

• Heart health

Early diagnosis and proper management help prevent complications in both conditions.

Common Symptoms

• Irregular, delayed, or absent periods

• Excess facial or body hair

• Acne and oily skin

• Weight gain, especially around the waist

• Hair thinning or hair fall

• Mood swings, anxiety, low motivation

• Fatigue and low libido

• Difficulty conceiving

• Poor sleep

Symptoms vary from woman to woman.

Causes of PCOD and PCOS

Modern Medical View

• Genetic tendency

• Insulin resistance

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Long-term stress

• Poor sleep

• Hormone-disrupting chemicals

• Chronic low-grade inflammation

Ayurvedic View

• Increase of Kapha and Vata Dosha

• Weak Agni (digestive and metabolic fire)

• Accumulation of Ama (toxins)

• Srotorodha (blocked body channels)

• Disturbed Apana Vata affecting ovulation and menstruation

🔹 PCOS, Fertility & Natural Conception – What Patients Should Know

PCOS does not mean permanent infertility.

Many women conceive naturally once:

• Ovulation improves
• Insulin resistance reduces
• Body weight and digestion normalize
• Stress levels are controlled

Ayurvedic treatment works by restoring natural ovulation and uterine receptivity, not by forcing cycles.
For women planning pregnancy, treatment is individualized to support follicle development, ovulation, and endometrial health.

Hormonal Imbalance Explained

Ayurvedic explanation:
Excess Kapha slows metabolism and promotes cyst formation. Vata disturbance affects ovulation. Ama blocks proper nourishment of reproductive tissues, leading to hormonal imbalance.

Ayurvedic Understanding of Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a key problem in many PCOS cases.

According to Ayurveda:

• Kapha and Meda block normal sugar metabolism

• Weak Agni prevents proper tissue formation

• Ama interferes with hormone action

Ayurvedic treatment aims to restore metabolism, not merely reduce sugar values.

Lean PCOS and Overweight PCOS – Important Differences

Not all women with PCOS are overweight.

Lean PCOS:
Normal weight with irregular periods, acne, or infertility. Treatment focuses on:

• Improving Agni

• Balancing Vata–Pitta

• Stress regulation

Overweight PCOS:
Marked insulin resistance and weight gain. Treatment focuses on:

• Kapha–Meda reduction

• Metabolic correction

Treatment must be individualized, not the same for all.

Classical Ayurvedic Correlation

PCOD and PCOS resemble conditions such as:

• Artava Dushti

• Yonivyapad

• Nashtartava

Classical references emphasize:

• Charaka Samhita: Vata–Kapha balance and purification

• Sushruta Samhita: Cleansing and reproductive strengthening

• Ashtanga Hridayam: Diet, lifestyle, and herbal therapy

Diagnostic Criteria for PCOS (Rotterdam Criteria)

PCOS is diagnosed when any two of the following three are present:

1. Irregular or absent ovulation

2. Signs of excess androgens (clinical or laboratory)

3. Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound

Ultrasound Findings in PCOD & PCOS – Common Confusion

Many women panic after seeing “polycystic ovaries” on an ultrasound report.

Important clarifications:

• Polycystic ovaries on scan do not automatically mean PCOS

• Many healthy young women show cystic ovaries with normal cycles

• Diagnosis depends on symptoms, hormones, and metabolism, not the scan alone

Ayurveda gives more importance to clinical features (Lakshana) than isolated reports.

Integrated Diagnostic Approach

Investigations may include:

• Pelvic ultrasound

• LH : FSH ratio

• AMH

• Thyroid profile

• Fasting insulin / HOMA-IR

• Lipid profile

Ayurveda also evaluates:

• Digestion and appetite

• Stress levels

• Menstrual history

• Body constitution

• Lifestyle patterns

Ayurvedic View of Menstrual Cycle Formation

According to Ayurveda:

• Proper digestion forms healthy Rasa Dhatu

• Rasa nourishes Artava (menstrual blood)

• Weak Agni leads to poor Artava formation

When digestion is weak:

• Periods become delayed or absent

• Ovulation is disturbed

• Hormonal imbalance increases

Therefore, improving digestion is the first step in PCOD and PCOS management.

Why Weight Loss Is Difficult in PCOS

Many women eat less yet struggle to lose weight.

Reasons include:

• Insulin resistance

• Kapha–Meda accumulation

• Slow metabolic fire

Ayurvedic treatment corrects metabolism first.
Weight loss becomes easier after metabolic balance improves.

PCOS, Acne, and Excess Hair – Ayurvedic Explanation

Acne and hirsutism occur due to:

• Increased Pitta and androgens

• Blocked skin channels

• Poor toxin elimination

Ayurvedic management:

• Supports liver and blood purification

• Balances Pitta and Kapha

• Reduces androgen dominance gradually

Gut Health and Hormonal Balance

Poor digestion leads to:

• Hormone recycling problems

• Chronic inflammation

• Insulin resistance

Ayurveda corrects gut health to:

• Improve hormone clearance

• Reduce inflammation

• Restore natural hormonal rhythm

Long-Term Health Risks

Untreated PCOS may increase the risk of:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Metabolic syndrome

• High cholesterol

• Fatty liver

• High blood pressure

• Endometrial disorders

• Heart disease

Life-Stage Considerations

• Adolescents: Gentle correction, diet guidance, stress care

• Women planning pregnancy: Ovulation support, uterine health

• After pregnancy/perimenopause: Weight and metabolic balance

.

🔹 Recurrence in PCOD & PCOS – Why Maintenance Care Matters

PCOD and PCOS can recur if lifestyle discipline is lost.

Recurrence may happen due to:

• Weight gain
• Irregular eating habits
• Chronic stress
• Poor sleep routines
• Sudden stopping of treatment

Maintenance care with diet regulation, periodic follow-up, and seasonal detox helps prevent relapse and ensures long-term stability.

Is PCOS Curable?

PCOS is not instantly curable, but it is highly manageable.

With proper Ayurvedic care:

• Periods may regularize

• Ovulation may improve

• Acne and hair growth reduce

• Metabolic health stabilizes

Ayurveda focuses on long-term balance, not suppression.

Ayurvedic Management Principles

• Improve digestion and metabolism

• Nourish reproductive tissues

• Balance Apana Vata

• Reduce excess Kapha and Meda

• Support mental health

Role of Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress raises cortisol, disturbing the brain–pituitary axis.

Ayurvedic care includes:

• Stress-reducing herbs

• Yoga and breathing practices

• Sleep regulation

Mental balance is essential for recovery.

Panchakarma Therapies 

Benefits of Key Ayurvedic Medicines

• Rajapravartini Vati

• Ashokarishta

• Pushyanug Churna

• Chandraprabha Vati

• Triphala Guggulu

• Saptasaram Kashayam

• Sukumaram Kashayam

Medicines must be prescribed individually.

Diet & Lifestyle

Include:
Millets, vegetables, fruits, warm, fresh meals

Avoid:
Sugar, junk food, cold drinks, and late-night eating

Exercise & Yoga

Brisk walking, Surya Namaskar, Baddha Konasana, Anulom Vilom
Avoid extreme workouts.

🔹 When Ayurveda Should Be Combined With Modern Medical Care

Ayurveda is often effective as primary care in most cases of PCOD and PCOS.
However, combined or parallel medical care is advised when:

• Blood sugar levels are significantly high
• Thyroid disorders are present
• Severe or continuous bleeding occurs
• Infertility persists despite ovulation correction
• Assisted reproductive techniques are planned

Responsible integration ensures safety and better outcomes.

Expected Results & Timeline

• 4–6 weeks: Better digestion, energy

• 6–8 weeks: Period improvement

• 3–6 months: Ovulation and hormone balance

• Long term: Stable metabolic health

When Combined or Urgent Medical Care Is Needed

Immediate attention for:

• No periods for many months

• Heavy or prolonged bleeding

• Severe pelvic pain

• Persistent infertility

Ayurveda works best with responsible medical supervision.

🔹 Who Is Most Suitable for Ayurvedic Management of PCOD & PCOS?

Ayurvedic treatment is suitable for:

• Adolescents with irregular cycles
• Women planning pregnancy
• Women experiencing weight gain or insulin resistance
• Patients dependent on long-term hormonal pills
• Women seeking natural, sustainable correction

Treatment is tailored to each individual’s age, symptoms, and reproductive goals.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical consultation. Ayurvedic treatment should always be taken under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic physician.

🔗 Key Medical References (PCOD / PCOS)

1. Rotterdam Criteria – PCOS Diagnosis (Gold Standard)
   https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/19/1/41/690226

2. PCOS Long-Term Health Risks (ASRM / ESHRE Consensus)
   https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/consensus-on-womens-health-aspects-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos

3. Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Risk in PCOS
   https://reproductive-health-journal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1742-4755-12-7

4. PCOS Overview – NIH / NCBI
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459251/

5. Ayurvedic & Integrative PCOS Perspective (Peer-Reviewed)
   https://www.ijraset.com/research-paper/integrative-ayurvedic-and-modern-medical-perspective

6. Ayurvedic Clinical Case Evidence (PCOD/PCOS)
   https://ayushdhara.in/index.php/ayushdhara/article/view/772