Polycystic Ovarian Disease – Siddha Medicine & Treatment

About 3 to 10 percent of woman suffer from the syndrome called Polycystic Ovarian Disease or Syndrome. This syndrome is a multisystem endocrinopathy characterised by Menstrual irregularities (Oligomennorrhoea or Amenorrhoea), Hirsutism (Male like hairness in woman), Obesity, hormonal imbalance leading to metabolic disorders. The most disappointing feature of this disease is that it begins in females just after puberty but may manifest during the reproductive period. Earlier it was thought that this disease occurs due to Ovarian defect or enlarged polycystic ovaries but now it is found that it may occur in females with normal menstrual cycle and normal sized ovaries. This disease has genetic and familial influence and may be autosomal dominant inherited.
The exact cause of this syndrome is unknown but it is caused when the ovaries produces increased androgen. The over production for LH or Leutenizing hormone in the pituitary gland is responsible for this. Androgen is linked with hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance. Hence people with PCOS have inability to process insulin effectively. Elevated insulin levels further affects the condition of PCOS. The patients are usually of 15 to 25 years of age mainly manifest infrequent, absent or irregular mensturation. Central obesity is seen with BMI greater than 30kg/msq. The waistline is greater than 35″, high waist to hip ratio. A fat tummy but relatively thin limbs is seen. Due to increased male hormones or Hyperandrogenism, excessive hairgrowth over face, abdomen, toes or thumbs are seen. Hairloss over scalp i.e baldness, deepening of voice and increased muscle mass are other features.Patient may have reccurent acne and skin is usually oily type. Pigmented skin is seen over inner thigh, axilla, nape of neck, beneath the breast and over exposed areas like knees, knuckles and elbows. This is otherwise called Acanthosis nigra caused due to Insulin resistance.

Repeated Abortions may occur in women due to altered pregnancy hormones. Infertility is a very common feature of this disease. The infrequent or absent ovulation causes Infertility. High B.P, high triglyceride level, low HDL,  high LDL and total cholestrol level, Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases like Coronary artery disorders are other clinical features. Blood test may reveal other important factors like high estrogen, low FSH level, high LH level, high testosterone and androgen level, high fasting insulin, high prolactin level. An ultrasound report may confirm the diagnosis.

Modern Treatment 

Metformin and newer glitazone antidiabetic medications commonly used drug in treatment of PCOD are insulin sensitizers. These drugs reduces insulin level, delays glucose absorption and improves peripheral utilisation of glucose. By normalising insulin level, testosterone level decreases and ovulation becomes normal. Drugs like Metformin produces side – effects like gastrointestinal irritation and lactoacidosis. Surgery involving laproscopic multipuncture of cysts is available but requires anasthesia. In addition to this specific treatments are given to manage the overall symptoms. Weight reduction is advised.

Siddha Medicine & Treatment for PCOD 

Patient is given drugs like Asoka pattai kudineer and choornam, Mavilingapattai choornam, Perungayam, Kattrazhai preparations, Kumatti mezhugu, Silasathu parpam, Gendhaga preparations etc. Infertility due to PCOD are also well treated by these drugs. Infertilty has very effective response through Siddha Medicines. Drugs like Thriphala choornam, Naththaichuri choornam and food stuffs like horse gram are administered which helps in lowering weight.Patient should be encouraged to do yogasanas, Aerobic Excercises, Brisk walking etc. Fruit juices, Nellikai (Gooseberry), Athipazham (Fig), green vegetables, adequate water, fish, sprouted blackgram, buttermilk etc should be a part of diet. Foods like Chicken, Meat, fatty food stuffs, bakery food items, oily food, packaged food, sweetened bevarages, Chocolates, etc should be strictly avoided.

Infertility and PCOD 

A lady who is unable to conceive or having recurrent abortions due to PCOD must never lose hope as this is only a temporary complaint.Getting treatment from a good Siddha Physician, Food regulation and Exercises is very helpful. Regulation of B.P, Blood Sugar, Keeping Lipid profile and Cholestrol into check and putting weight under control should be done always. While planning to conceive, abortificient foods like pineapple, Sesame, pappaya must be avoided.  Meditation and Prayers along with medication can lead to miracles. Birth of a blessed child is also one of the beautiful miracles of God. God is the one who heals, a physician is only a tool in the hands of  God.