INTRODUCTION
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), known as ‘Soothaga Vaayu’ in Siddha literature, is a
prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular
menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. It affects 8-13% of
reproductive-age women globally, with up to 70% undiagnosed [1]. The condition’s
prevalence is increasing due to unhealthy lifestyles, poor nutrition, and mental stress, which
contribute to both physical and mental health issues [2]. PCOS is associated with
comorbidities such as obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases,
and infertility [3,4]. In modern Science, PCOS can be diagnosed using the modified Rotterdam
criteria if at least two of the following are present: clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism,
oligo-anovulation, or polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound, with other disorders
excluded [5]. In Ayurveda, the diagnosis of PCOS involves evaluating body contents (Dushya
or Sapta Dhatu), etiological factors (Nidana), clinical symptoms (Lakshana), and
pathogenesis (Samprapti) [6]. Classified within the Yonivyapada category, PCOD accounts for
over 70% of gynecological issues described by Acharya Sushruta, Acharya Charak, and
Acharya Vaghbhatt [7]. Conditions such as Vandhya, Arajaska, Nashtartava, Artavakshaya,
and Pushpagni jathaharini exhibit symptoms similar to PCOS. Acharya Sushruta’s
descriptions of Viddha Lakshana, Ksheena Artava, Nastartava, and Artava-vahastrotas match
the clinical features of PCOS [8]. The condition involves fluid accumulation in enlarged
ovaries and is linked to Raktagulma, as described by Acharya Charak in Chikitsa Sthana [9].
Clinically, PCOS is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, hirsutism,
obesity, acne, and ovulatory dysfunction [10]. Hormonal imbalances involving luteinizing
hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) disrupt follicular development [11].
Samprapti describes worsened Vata blocking Artavvaha Srotasa, leading to Raktagulma [12].
Incorrect lifestyles and faulty diets contribute to PCOS, with androgen exposure causing
genetic issues. Ayurvedic perspectives link PCOS to Dosha and Dhatu imbalances, causing
conditions like amenorrhoea, reproductive disorders, and infertility [13]. Conventional
treatments for PCOS, including lifestyle modifications, hormonal contraceptives, insulin
sensitizers, and anti-androgens, have limited efficacy and potential side effects [14,15].
Ayurveda offers a holistic approach, using herbal formulations like Ashwagandha (Withania
somnifera (L.) Dunal), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd.), and Guduchi (Tinospora
Effectiveness Of ayurvedic Regimens In polycystic Ovarian Syndrome And Related Comorbidities: an Observational study.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting 8-13% of women of
reproductive age worldwide, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic
ovaries, with an estimated 70% of cases remaining undiagnosed. This observational study aimed to assess the
efficacy of Ayurvedic regimens in managing PCOS and associated comorbidities, highlighting the potential of
integrative approaches in women’s health. The study was conducted in the Out-patient department of Streeroga
and Prasuti Tantra at Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evam Anusandhana Sansthan and, included 50 women
aged 18-45 diagnosed with PCOS, who were treated with individualized Ayurvedic interventions over six
months. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Data collection was performed
using a three-part questionnaire, and Quality of Life (QoL) scores were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA, with
supplementary analyses conducted using Chi-Square tests and power analysis. Results demonstrated that
Ayurvedic herbs, specifically Cinnamon and Shatavari, were associated with a 39.13% improvement in QoL
scores among PCOS patients after three months of treatment. ANOVA indicated statistically significant
differences in QoL scores pre-and post-treatment. However, the study’s statistical power was modest, and ChiSquare tests did not reveal significant differences between pre-and post-treatment assessments. The findings
suggest that Ayurvedic interventions, including herbal remedies, dietary modifications, Panchakarma
therapies, yoga, and lifestyle changes, may significantly enhance QoL in women with PCOS. Nonetheless, the
study recommends further research with larger sample sizes and randomized controlled trials to substantiate
these preliminary findings.
KEYWORDS: PCOS, Women’s health, Insulin resistance, Ayurveda, QoL IIHR PAN CARD (3) Cancel cheque of IIHR (2) GST CERTIFICATE-IIHR- S-32(1) Pic – Global CSR Leadership Conclave-2024 News – Global CSR Leadership Conclave-2024
As per current survey perspiciatis.
Questionnaire
There were three sections in the questionnaire. Demographic data, including gender, age,
living situation, religion, and course of study, were included in the first part. The risk
assessment questionnaire, which has 20 questions in the second half, is paired with a 4-point
Likert scale, where 4 represents the worst health and 1 represents excellence function [19].
The third section assessed the Self-administered Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Questionnaire
(PCOSQ) sheet is typically designed to determine the symptoms and impact of PCOS on
patients. PCOSQ is a disease-specific quality-of-life measure for women with PCOS that
comprises 26 questions spanning a variety of areas such as emotions, body hair, weight,
infertility, and menstruation issues, to capture the impact of PCOS on women’s lives
thoroughly. Each question is associated with a 7-point Likert-type scale in which 7 represents
the optimal function and 1 represents the poorest function [20]. Questions involve concerns
such as visible hair growth, infertility, and disappointment. The PCOSQ consists of five
domains: emotions (eight items), body hair (five items), weight (five items), infertility
difficulties (four items), and menstrual problems. Cronbach’s alpha was greater than 0.7
when the PCOSQ was verified [21].
Sample size determination and power validation
The target population was identified, and eligibility criteria were applied, leading to an initial
assessment of 61 participants between October 2023 and April 2024. After exclusions based
on treatment completion, inclusion criteria, and participant consent, 50 eligible participants
were enrolled. The sample size was calculated to achieve sufficient power to detect a
clinically meaningful improvement in the Quality of Life (QoL) among the subjects. Based on
preliminary data and literature, an expected effect size (difference in QoL scores pre- and
post-intervention) was estimated. The alpha level was set at 0.05, corresponding to a 5% risk
of Type I error (false positive). A power of 0.80 (80%) was chosen, indicating a 20% risk of
Type II error (false negative). An anticipated dropout rate was factored in, based on historical
data, ensuring that the final sample size would still be adequate after accounting for potential
dropouts. A post-hoc power analysis was performed using the actual data collected from the
50 participants. This analysis confirmed whether the study maintained the intended power
of 80% or higher. Sensitivity analysis was carried out to assess the robustness of the study
findings. This involved varying key assumptions (such as effect size and standard deviation)
to examine the impact on the study’s power.
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