What is PCOD

Question

For the last year, my periods have been completely irregular. Sometimes they come after 35-40 days, sometimes they don’t come at all for 2-3 months. When they do, they are really painful and heavy, but before that, I get a lot of bloating, mood swings, and bad acne on my face. I also feel tired all the time, even if I sleep well.

I finally went to a gynecologist last month, and after an ultrasound, she told me that I have PCOD. I had no idea what that meant, and she just said it’s common and gave me some hormonal pills. She also said I should lose weight, but I’m not even that overweight. I asked her if this is something serious, and she just said that if I don’t manage it, it could cause problems in the future, especially if I want to have kids.

I started reading online about what is PCOD, and now I’m even more confused. Some people say it’s related to insulin resistance, some say it’s due to hormonal imbalance, and some say stress and diet make it worse. I don’t want to take medicines for a long time—does Ayurveda have natural ways to manage PCOD?

I’ve also heard that Ayurveda focuses on balancing the doshas. Does PCOD happen because of an imbalance in Vata, Pitta, or Kapha? And does Ayurveda suggest a specific diet to regulate hormones naturally? I’ve tried exercising, but I feel like my weight isn’t changing much. Are there specific Ayurvedic remedies or lifestyle changes that can help with weight, periods, and energy levels?

I want to fix this in a natural way before it causes more problems. If anyone has managed PCOD with Ayurveda, I’d love to hear what actually worked for them.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

PCOD in Ayurveda is primarily a Kapha and Vata imbalance, leading to hormonal irregularities, ovarian cysts, weight fluctuations, and menstrual disturbances. Kapha causes metabolic sluggishness, insulin resistance, and cyst formation, while Vata disrupts ovulation and cycle regularity. Ayurveda offers natural ways to manage PCOD by balancing hormones, improving metabolism, and restoring menstrual health without long-term medication.

Diet & Lifestyle: Follow a Kapha-pacifying diet—warm, light foods, plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and fenugreek to regulate insulin and hormones. Avoid processed foods, sugar, dairy, and excessive cold foods that increase Kapha. Exercise daily—Yoga and strength training help with insulin resistance and weight management. Pranayama (Nadi Shodhana, Bhastrika) reduces stress, which plays a big role in PCOD.

Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Triphala, and Guduchi help regulate hormones and reduce stress. Kanchnar Guggulu and Trikatu are great for reducing ovarian cysts and improving metabolism. Seed cycling (flax & sesame in the first half, sunflower & pumpkin in the second half of the cycle) supports hormone balance. Ayurvedic detox therapies like Panchakarma, especially Vamana (cleansing Kapha) and Virechana (liver detox), can help regulate cycles naturally.

PCOD is reversible with consistent Ayurvedic practices, a disciplined lifestyle, and stress management. Consulting an Ayurvedic expert for a personalized plan will yield the best long-term results.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

PCOD in Ayurveda is seen as a Kapha-Vata imbalance, where excess Kapha leads to hormonal irregularities, weight gain, and cyst formation, while Vata aggravation causes irregular cycles and pain. Poor digestion and Ama (toxins) further disrupt metabolism and reproductive health. Ayurveda focuses on balancing hormones naturally through diet, lifestyle, and herbs. Regular exercise like yoga and brisk walking helps regulate insulin and metabolism. A Kapha-pacifying diet with warm, light foods, avoiding dairy, refined sugars, and excess carbs, is beneficial. Herbs like Shatavari, Ashoka, Lodhra, and Triphala help regulate cycles and balance hormones. Drinking cinnamon tea or fenugreek water can improve insulin sensitivity and ovarian function. Panchakarma therapies like Virechana and Udvartana can detoxify and support weight loss. Stress worsens hormonal imbalance, so meditation and pranayama are recommended. With consistency, Ayurveda can naturally restore balance, regulate periods, and improve energy levels.

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