Oligomenorrhea from the point of view of Ayurveda
Oligomenorrhea by definition means irregular blood flow in a woman. Women with oligomenorrhea consistently have menstrual cycles longer than 35 days, or they have fewer than nine menstrual cycles in a year.
Oligomenorrhea symptoms may include:
- Delayed menstrual cycles
- Light menstrual flow
- Unpredictable flow during each period
- Difficulty in conceiving
Common reason causes of Oligomenorrhea include:
- Heavy exercise, sports or engaging in heavy activity
- Eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia nervosa
- Hormonal problems or hormonal disorders
- Medication such as antiepileptics and antipsychotics, contraceptive pills
- Excess weight, sedentary lifestyle, stress
Oligomenorrhea in Ayurveda is known as an “Anartava” or “Nashta Artava”. “Nashta” means “lost, destroyed or missing” while “Artav” means “monthly cyclical bleeding or menstruation”.
Ayurveda is a branch of medicine that believes diseases are due to disturbance in Vata, Pitta, or Kapha doshas. This science believes oligomenorrhea results from an obstruction in Vata, Kapha, or both. Treating this imbalance may regulate the menstrual cycle.
When digestion is disturbed because of an imbalance of Vata or Kapha doshas, Ama (toxins) are accumulated in the body. Ama accumulates in the weak channels of the body. When toxins accumulate in the Rasavahi srotas, which carry nourishing plasma, the Artavavahi srotas, which are responsible for menstrual flow, block them, and menstruation stops. According to Ayurveda, this is the pathology of Samana, Vyana and Apana Vayu.
How Ayurvedic doctors treat oligomenorrhea
Ayurvedic treatment of oligomenorrhea starts with Panchkarma procedures. The first stage is cleansing the body from toxins. Ayurvedic massages and steam baths are beneficial, as these treatments are Vata-pacifying and very nourishing to the reproductive system. Different kinds of medicated enemas (Vasti) also help for treating the condition. In Uttara Vasti procedure, medicated oils are applied directly inside the uterus.
The following Ayurvedic medicines help in Oligomenorrhea: Triphala Kwatha, Chandraprabha Vati, Manibhadra Choorna, Commiphora wightii or Guggulu, Shatapushpa Churna, Ikshvaku, Shatavari is a heavy and oily tonic often used for gynecological purposes by Ayurveda.
The exact course of treatment should be determined by the Ayurvedic doctor.
Ayurvedic tips for oligomenorrhea treatment and prevention
- Include unripe papaya in your diet. It can help you in regulating your periods and flow
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Be active
- Take from 1.5 to 4 mg of dried cinnamon daily
- Check your vitamin D levels. Low vitamin D is responsible for women's health
- Practice yoga as it is an effective treatment for menstrual irregularities
Check the Ayurvedic treatment for other gynae diseases:
Infertility, Frigidity, Leucorrhoea, Menopause, Dysmenorrhoea, Amenorrhoea , 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, Acidity in pregnancy, Breastfeeding problems, Endometriosis, Pregnancy toxicosis, Miscarriage, Mastitis .
