Amenorrhea from the point of view of Ayurveda
Amenorrhea is the absence of a menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age. A complex system of hormones controls the menstrual cycle. Every month, hormones prepare the body for pregnancy. Ovulation occurs. If there is no pregnancy, the cycle ends with the uterus shedding its lining. That shedding is the menstrual period.
Amenorrhea can result from a change in function or a problem with some part of the female reproductive system. Sometimes women not supposed to get period — before puberty, during pregnancy and after menopause. Otherwise, healthy women get period every month.
There are 2 types of amenorrhea: primary amenorrhea and secondary amenorrhea.
Causes of primary amenorrhea are usually related with:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Ovarian failure and polycystic ovary syndrome
- Tumor in the pituitary gland
- Disturbed function of the endocrine system that affects maturation at puberty — hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
- Birth defects in the reproductive structures
Causes of secondary amenorrhea include:
- Stress
- Weight loss
- Intense exercise
- Illnesses and hormonal imbalance
- Problems affecting the pituitary, thyroid, or adrenal glands
- Ovarian tumors or surgical removal of the ovaries
- Intake of birth control pills
How Ayurvedic doctors treat amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is known as an Anartava in Ayurveda. For Anartava treatment, Ayurveda uses Panchakarma (Ayurvedic detox) methods, and it is recommended as the first stage of Ayurvedic management of amenorrhea. This comprises Udwartana (herbal massage), steam baths, and medicated enemas.
In amenorrhea treatment, different medicated enemas play an important role in the treatment process:
Anuvasana vasti (oil-containing enemas)
Uttara Vasti — in this procedure, medicated oils are applied directly inside the uterus
Anuvasana and Uttara Vasti help to encourage the downward movement of Vata.
Ayurvedic oil massage and steam baths are also beneficial, as these treatments are Vata-pacifying and very nourishing to the reproductive system. The Udvartana treatment with Triphala powder is very effective in combating amenorrhea.
Blockages in the micro and macro channels of the body system has to be relieved, and proper nourishment has to take place after the Panchakarma procedures. Ayurvedic herbs for effective treatment of amenorrhea include classical Ayurvedic formulations such as Asokarishtam, Aswagandharishtam, Kumaryasavam, Dasamularishtam, Hinguvachadi Churnam, Phalasarpis, and Sukumaram Kashayam.
Ayurvedic treatment is always personalized. We recommend you make an appointment with one of our experienced Ayurvedic doctors. During the consultation, our Ayurvedic doctor will not only prescribe natural medicines for you, but also select a diet for you and give you lifestyle recommendations in accordance with your constitution and condition.
Ayurvedic tips for amenorrhea treatment
- Eat healthy
- Include cinnamon in your diet
- Papaya contains carotene, a nutrient that supports estrogen levels. Include papaya at least 3 times per week in your diet
- Eat pineapples. Pineapples contain the enzyme bromelain, which may help with blood flow and generation of red and white blood cells
- Castor oil is traditionally classified as an emmenagogue, so it stimulates menstrual flow
- Avoid stress
- Exercising is important, but overexercising is unhealthy as well
Check the Ayurvedic treatment for other gynae diseases:
Infertility, Frigidity, Leucorrhoea, Menopause, Dysmenorrhoea, Lower back pain, Cyst formation in Ovaries, Uterine fibroids ( polyps) , Vaginitis, Cervix and uterus infections, Uterus prolapse , Breast pain and lumps, Vaginal itching, Vaginal discharge, Hormonal disbalance, Oligomenorrhoea , Acidity in pregnancy, Breastfeeding problems, Endometriosis, Pregnancy toxicosis, Miscarriage, Mastitis
