Difference Between PCOD and PCOS from an Ayurvedic Perspective

PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome, whereas PCOD stands for polycystic ovarian disease. We often consider both problems the same, but they are actually different. They might share many similarities, but they differ in symptoms and causes.

Ayurveda, the centuries-old natural healing system, ensures a holistic solution to treat and manage PCOS and PCOD.

Before choosing the right Ayurvedic treatment, it is very important to know the difference between polycystic ovarian syndrome and polycystic ovarian syndrome. So, in this blog, we will help you to identify both disorders.

What is PCOD?

PCOD, as mentioned above, stands for polycystic ovarian disease. In this condition, immature or partially mature eggs are produced by the ovary in very large numbers.

Over time, these immature or partially mature eggs transform into ovarian cysts. These cysts cause hormonal imbalances, unnecessary weight gain, and problems like irregular periods.

In the chronic stage, PCOD can also lead to infertility issues. According to the ancient medical science, Ayurveda, PCOD or polycystic ovarian disease is a disorder that an imbalanced Agni causes. Agni is the fire that helps in digestion.

Poor digestion is the major cause of PCOD. Another important factor that affects PCOD is the imbalance of vata and kapha dosha. These imbalances in the body are the result of a sedentary lifestyle, improper diet, stress, and the accumulation of ama in the reproductive system.

While the treatment of PCOD, the Ayurvedic practitioner aims to form a treatment plan that focuses on improving digestion, balancing the doshas, balancing the hormones, using fertility herbs, Panchakarma detox therapies, and modifications in diet and lifestyle.

Also Read: Ayurvedic Massage Course in Rishikesh

What is PCOS?

PCOS means polycystic ovary syndrome. This is caused by an imbalance in the hormones of a female's body. PCOS is an endocrine and metabolic disorder.

PCOS occurs when the ovaries start producing excessive androgens. Androgens are the main hormones that can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, unnecessary weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth, and multiple ovarian cysts.

As per Ayurveda, PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome is caused by the imbalance of the three doshas, vata, pitta, and kapha. Primarily, this is caused when the kapha dosha is aggravated.

The accumulation of kapha in the reproductive system disturbs the reproductive tissue and leads to the formation of unnecessary cysts, leading to irregular ovulation.

Ayurveda focuses on treating PCOS using various natural detoxification therapies, dietary modifications, herbal treatment, and changes in diet and lifestyle.

What are the Key Differences Between PCOS and PCOD?

1. Nature of condition: PCOS is considered a metabolic and hormonal disorder, whereas PCOD is basically the dysfunction of the ovaries.
2. Hormonal impact: In PCOS, a person suffers from the formation of high male hormones, androgens, which lead to the appearance of male features like excessive hair growth, whereas in PCOD, the hormonal imbalances are mild.
3. Menstrual cycle: PCOS leads to irregular or absent periods, whereas in PCOD, one experiences irregular periods, but ovulation may still occur.
4. Fertility impact: PCOS can result in infertility, whereas in PCOD, women can still conceive with little assistance and professional help
5. Weight factor: PCOS often leads to obesity, whereas PCOD may or may not always lead to unnecessary weight gain.
6. Symptoms: The person suffering from PCOS may face symptoms like acne, hair fall, excessive hair growth, infertility, and unnecessary weight gain, whereas a PCOD patient majorly suffers from irregular periods, bloating, and other mild hormonal changes.
7. Severity: PCOS is comparatively more severe. It has long-term complications like heart disease and diabetes. On the other hand, PCOD is less severe and can be managed with some lifestyle changes and Ayurvedic treatment.

Read More: Ayurveda Panchakarma Diploma Course in Rishikesh

PCOS in Ayurveda

As per Ayurveda, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome occurs when the Kapha and Vata doshas are aggravated. This leads to an imbalance in reproductive health. The treatment of PCOS in Ayurveda includes the following.

1. Herbs

• Ashoka: Ashoka is one of the most powerful herbs used in Ayurveda to regulate the menstrual cycle. 
• Shatavari: Shatavari is known for its benefits, like balancing hormones and improving fertility.
• Guduchi: Guduchi helps in detoxification of the body and also helps in boosting immunity. 
• Triphala: Triphala improves digestion and helps to flush out the ama from the body.

2. Dietary Guidelines

• Ayurvedic treatment for PCOS suggests avoiding dairy products, refined sugar, and processed food. 
• It recommends including a sattvic diet made up of whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and healthy fats. 
• Ayurveda suggests drinking warm water with lemon. This helps in enhancing and boosting the digestion, leading to good gut health.

3. Lifestyle Modifications

• Including yoga in the lifestyle is one of the best things that one can do to manage PCOS.
• Yoga like Sarvangasana, Bhujangasana, and more may help to relieve the symptoms.
• A good and regular sleep schedule is a must when trying to manage PCOS.
• Meditating and performing pranayama can help in reducing stress, which is always a major cause behind hormonal imbalances.

4. Panchakarma Therapy

• Ayurvedic treatment includes various detoxification therapies like Vamana, which is a therapeutic vomiting, and Virechana, which means purgation.
• These panchakarma therapies help in balancing vata and kapha dosha, thereby healing PCOS naturally.

PCOD and Ayurveda

PCOD is considered to be comparatively milder than PCOS. Ayurvedic remedies can effectively manage PCOD by focusing on balancing the digestive fire called Agni. Ayurveda also helps in balancing vata and kapha dosha, which is another cause of PCOD. These approaches of holistic healing help in managing and treating PCOD without distressing the body in the long term.

The Ayurvedic approach includes the following in the treatment plan of PCOD.

1. Herbs

• Lodhra: This herb helps in balancing the hormones, which in turn reduces the cyst formation.
• Guggulu: Guggulu is known for its properties that help in the management of weight and in detoxifying the body. 
• Methi: Methi helps in improving insulin sensitivity, therefore controlling and managing the hormonal release.

2. Dietary Guidelines

• Ayurveda suggests avoiding the use of excessive salt and sugar intake. 
• The diet recommended to PCOD patients includes fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, and fiber-rich foods. 
•  Herbal teas like cinnamon and ginger tea can greatly help in managing the symptoms of PCOD.

3. Lifestyle Modifications

• Regular physical activity, such as yoga or brisk walking, can help in managing the symptoms of PCOD. 
• Mindfulness techniques and meditation can help in avoiding stress, which is again the major cause of PCOD. 
• Maintaining a balanced rest and work routine is a must when taking Ayurvedic treatment for PCOD.

4. Panchakarma Therapies

• Another aspect of Ayurvedic treatment of PCOD includes the integration of 5 therapies, which help in detoxifying the body. These therapies include Udvartana, Virechana, and more. Panchakarma helps in managing and balancing the hormones.

Conclusion

Both the ailments are quite common hormonal disorders that women of today's population suffer from. However, Ayurveda offers a natural and holistic way to manage the symptoms and to address the root cause of the disease.

The treatment plan of Ayurveda includes various aspects, which are dietary changes, lifestyle modification, hormonal treatments, home remedies, and detox therapies. Unlike the conventional treatment, Ayurveda focuses on restoring overall health.

Ayurveda treatments are milder in nature and do not cause any stress if taken in the long term. On the other hand, when the chemical-based drugs are taken in the long term can lead to many side effects.

This is why Ayurveda is one of the best medical systems that can be considered while taking the treatment for PCOS and PCOD. By adopting Ayurveda, women can regain their health, can improve fertility, and can attain freedom from the discomfort table symptoms of PCOS and PCOD.

If you are looking for an effective and experienced Ayurvedic practitioner who can help you with the best holistic treatment plan for PCOD and PCOS with minimal or no side effects, then you must contact us or visit Haritha Ayurveda.

We ensure a serene atmosphere that can take you closer to the soul of Ayurveda and help you with a relaxing and rejuvenating approach for treating PCOD, PCOS, and other gynecological issues.