Amenorrhea is defined as the absence of a menstrual period in a woman during her reproductive age. Women who missed her three menstrual periods are dealing with amenorrhea problem. It is a normal feature in prepubertal, pregnant, and post-menopausal females. The physiological state of amenorrhea is seen most commonly during pregnancy and lactation. Apart from the reproductive years, there is an absence of menses during childhood and after menopause.
For a woman to have regular menstrual cycles, her hypothalamus (stimulates the pituitary gland), pituitary gland (that releases luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone which influence the production of estrogen and progesterone that control cyclic changes in the lining of the uterus), ovaries, and uterus must be functioning properly.
Environmental factors play an important role in determining the menstrual flow, its integrity, and regularity. Menstrual dysfunction reveals infertility and increases the future risk of various chronic diseases such as diabetes, breast cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
What are the different Types of Amenorrhea?
There are mainly two types of Amenorrhea –
1. Primary Amenorrhea
When a woman has not her first menstrual period by the age of 14 years and no signs of other sexual characteristics (such as developing breasts and pubic hair), it is known as primary amenorrhea or delayed menarche. This is common in teenage girls who:
- Are very thin or an athletic
- Underweight
- Have a genetic problem
- Have abnormal female reproductive organs
- Imperforate hymen
- Hypothyroidism
- Having low energy availability (for example eating disorders, excessive exercise, decreased caloric intake )
2. Secondary Amenorrhea
It occurs when periods have stopped for about three months or more. It is commonly seen in
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Menopause
- Emotional or physical stress
- Rapid weight loss
- Strenuous exercise
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Premature ovarian failure
- Hysterectomy
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Amenorrhea?
The main symptom of amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods. Other signs & symptoms include-
- Excess body and facial hair
- Acne
- Lowering of the voice
- Altered sex drive
- Changes in the breast
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Constipation
- Dry skin and hair
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Headache
- Muscular and neural pain
What is an Ayurvedic view of Amenorrhea?
According to Ayurveda, Amenorrhea is termed as ‘Anartava’. According to Acharya Charka, the imbalance of the Vata Dosha in women is the main cause of Amenorrhea. Aggravated Vata dosha accumulated in the body and relocated to Purishvaha srotas.
Normally, the food is digested by the digestive fire and converted into rasa dhatu. This rasa dhatu provides nourishment to the successive dhatus and other tissues of the body. Anartava or menstrual blood is a part of this rasa dhatu. But when the digestion is impaired, instead of the healthy rasa dhatu, ama or toxins are produced. This ama gathers in rasavahi srotas or artavavahi srotas which causes blockage in them and stops the menstrual flow, leading to Amenorrhea.
What is an Ayurvedic Treatment for Amenorrhea?
The strength of Ayurvedic treatment is its ability to remove the root cause of the disease rather than treating the symptoms. Ayurveda has numerous natural and pure herbs which are very beneficial in the treatment of Amenorrhea.
Chandigarh Ayurved Centre provided you the ‘’Amenorrhea Go Kit’’, which includes total 5 products – Rajpravartini vati, Stri Poshak tablet, Stri Poshak capsules, Stri Poshak syrup, & Ashwagandha tablet.
ALL PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION IN DETAIL
1. Rajpravartini Vati
Rajpravartini vati is an Ayurvedic medicine that is best for the treatment of women’s health problems. Its main effects appear on ovaries and uterus. The ingredients used for the preparation of vati are – Shuddha tankan (Purified borax), Kaseesa (Purified blue vitriol), Shuddha Hingu (Purified ferula asafoetida), etc. It pacifies the Vata and Kapha doshas. The main action of the vati is to increase the menstrual flow and eliminate the flow obstruction caused by aggravated Kapha.
Recommended Dosage – Take 2 tablets twice a day with normal water.
2. Stri Rasayan
Stri Rasayan is the best remedy to treat all the gynecological problems. It is being prepared from the formation of several herbs and extracts to provide health benefits naturally. The composition of Stri Rasayan contains – Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Devdaru (Cedrus deodara), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Nagkeshar (Mesua ferrea), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), etc. It mainly helps to strengthen the uterine muscles, relieve the pelvic pain, vomiting, etc.
Recommended Dosage – Take 2 tablets twice a day with normal water.
3. Stri-Poshak Syrup
Stri Poshak Syrup is very beneficial in curing woman’s physical weakness, anemia, reproductive problems, etc. It includes – Ashok chall (Saraca asoca), Lodhar chall (Symplocos racemosa), Khadir chall (Acacia catechu), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), etc. The ingredients used in this syrup mainly balances the Pitta and Kapha doshas and helps to get relief from hot flashes, disturbed sleep, abdominal discomfort, mood elevation, amenorrhea, excess sweating, tiredness, etc.
Recommended Dosage– Take 2 teaspoonful twice a day with normal water.
4. Stri-Poshak Capsules
These capsules contain – Ashok chall (Saraca asoca), Lodhar chall (Symplocos racemosa), Aamlaki (Emblica officinalis), Nagkesar (Mesua ferrea), etc. Stri Poshak capsules mainly balance the kapha dosha. This capsule is very beneficial in maintaining women’s health. It is used in irregular menstrual periods, pelvic pain. The capsules are very effective in the management of headache, muscular pain, general weakness, etc.
Recommended Dosage – Take 2 capsules twice a day with normal water.
5. Ashwagandha Tablet
Ashwagandha is a traditional medicinal herb with multiple health benefits. It helps to reduce anxiety, stress, and helps to fight against depression, beneficial for regulation of the menstrual cycle and also supports the female reproductive system and gives satisfactory results.
Recommended Dosage – Take 2 tablets twice a day with normal water.
What is the Panchakarma Treatment for Amenorrhea?
Panchakarma is the best way to treat any type of acute or chronic diseases as it overall detoxifies the body. Chandigarh Ayurved Centre provides the Bliss therapy consisting of Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Swedana treatments. It helps in pacifying Vata dosha and nourishes the system. The therapies are beneficial for the treatment of amenorrhea and are conducted under the supervision of a Ayurvedic Doctor.
Healthy Tips and Diet for Amenorrhea Patients-
- Take plenty of fresh fruits, and vegetable in raw, juice, or soup form.
- Avoid hard digesting and junking food items.
- Avoid ice creams, cold drinks, alcohol, smoking, etc.
- Eat warm, nutritious and easily digestible foods like khichadi and soup which give the gastrointestinal tract a rest and facilitate cleansing.
- Drink filtered or boiled water.
- Limit the use of Contraceptive pills.
- Eat a Calcium-rich food at each meal that helps in maintaining the bone density.
- Medication and Relaxation techniques are beneficial to overcome mental stress.
- Daily oil massage can be helpful in maintaining the imbalanced dosha.
- Take deepana dravyas like Cinnamon (is a good choice because of its demulcent and stimulating properties), Dried Ginger (works as an emmenagogue), & Turmeric (helps to regulate menses by decongesting the liver).
- Exercise is very beneficial to bring back the menstrual cycle because it reduces stress and brings balance to the endocrine system.
- Regular practicing yoga has good results in the treatment of Amenorrhea. Do perform Yoga Asana such as Dhanurasana, Ustrasana, Bhujangasana, Malasana, and Baddha Konasana.
- Do perform Pranayama like Anulom Vilom, Shitali, Sheetkari, and Chandrabhedi pranayama.