Ayurvedic Medicine for Irregular Periods

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A 2023 study conducted in India found that almost one-third of young women in the country (about 30.5%) have irregular menstrual cycles. This shows how common this problem is.

If you are also dealing with this problem, you're not alone. It’s normal to feel anxious, stressed, or tired. You might also be worried about your fertility or your overall hormonal health.

Ayurveda can help you here. Ayurvedic medicine for irregular periods doesn't just look at the problem; it looks at your whole body. It aims to lower toxins, balance your body's doshas, and make digestion and stress levels better. Ayurveda's main goal is to help you get back to balance, not just hide the symptoms.

How Does Ayurveda View Irregular Periods?

Ayurveda doesn't just see irregular periods as a period problem. Rather, it is seen as a sign that your body is out of balance. When one or more of your doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) gets out of balance, it results in such health issues.

Vata Dosha: The Main Problem

Vata is the most important dosha when we talk about irregular periods. Vata is in charge of all movement in the body, even the movement of hormones and blood. If your Vata gets out of balance because of stress, a bad diet, too much work, or not getting enough sleep, it can disturb the regular flow of your periods.

You might notice signs like: 

• Periods that are late or don't happen at all
• Cramps that hurt
• Seeing spots instead of a full flow
• Feeling anxious or restless during your cycle

What Ayurveda Calls It

Ayurveda talks about problems with periods in terms like:

• Artava Dushti means that the menstrual blood is not balanced or clean.
• Yonivyapad is a term for problems with the female reproductive system.

Ayurvedacharyas think of these as a result of deeper health issues, like 

• Weak digestion (an imbalance in Agni).
• Ama, i.e, the buildup of toxins in the body.
• Bad diet and way of life
• Mental stress that disturbs your hormonal rhythm

Symptoms and Related Complaints of Irregular Periods

Irregular periods can show up in different ways. For some, it may mean missing periods for months. For others, it could mean getting periods too often, heavy bleeding, or spotting in between. The symptoms you feel often depend on what's happening inside your body and which dosha is out of balance.

Some common symptoms you might see are: 

• Late periods or missing your periods
• Bleeding that is very light or very heavy
• Periods that happen too often or too far apart
• Cramps that hurt or pain in the lower back
• Changes in mood or anxiety
• Being tired or worn out
• Acne or gaining weight (especially with PCOS)

How symptoms change when your dosha is out of balance:

• Imbalance of Vata: If your Vata is high, you might have periods that are late or irregular, sharp cramps, dryness, and anxiety. Your periods might stop suddenly or be late every time.
• Pitta Imbalance: If you have too much Pitta, you may have early or heavy periods, bleeding, a burning feeling, acne, and mood swings.
• Kapha Imbalance: If Kapha is too strong, you might feel tired, have long periods, gain weight, or have blood clots during your periods.

Causes and Aggravating Factors of Irregular Periods

Your periods don't just become irregular overnight. There are a lot of things that can throw your cycle off, both things you do in your daily life and things that are wrong inside you.

Some of the main causes of irregular periods are:

• Poor eating habits: Eating a lot of junk food or skipping meals can disturb the signals that your hormones send.
• Not getting enough exercise or working out too much: Not moving around slows your body down, and too much physical stress can stop periods altogether.
• Stress: When your mind is stressed, your hormones can’t work properly, leading to delayed or missed periods.
• Ageing or perimenopause: Hormonal shifts naturally begin in your 40s, and your periods may become irregular during this phase.
• Medical conditions: PCOS, thyroid problems, obesity, or even certain medications can interrupt your cycle.

Ayurvedic Causes of Irregular Periods

Ayurveda says that an imbalance in your body's doshas (especially Vata) and a weak digestive fire (Agni) are the most common causes of irregular periods. This causes the body to build up ama (toxins). Other reasons include:

• Blocking of pathways that carry hormones and blood.
• Apana Vata, which controls the downward movement of your body, including menstruation, is out of balance.
• Sleeping late, eating foods that don't go well together, or ignoring signs of hunger and thirst can also throw your body off balance.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Irregular Periods

If your periods are late, early, or skipping long durations like months, it's a sign that something inside your body needs to be looked at. Ayurveda aims to fix the reason why your periods are not regular in the first place. Ayurvedic medicines are made to fix imbalances inside the body and help it heal naturally, not just give you a quick fix.

Most of the time, these medicines come from herbs that help balance hormones, get rid of toxins in your body, improve blood flow to the uterus, and calm your mind. But keep in mind that your body type, dosha imbalance, and the real cause of your problem will determine the best medicine for you. Before starting any treatment, you should always talk to an experienced Jiva doctor.

Here are some Ayurvedic herbs and medicines that people often use to help with irregular periods:

1. Phala Ghrita

Phala Ghrita is a mix of cow ghee and herbs that is often used to help with regular periods, fertility, and overall reproductive health. It calms Vata and makes the uterus stronger.

2. Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia)

Ayurveda believes that manjistha cleanses your blood. If your periods are irregular because of toxins, infections or other health issues, this herb might help bring them back to normal.

3. Ashoka (Saraca indica)

This herb is a natural tonic for the uterus. It helps with issues like heavy bleeding, early periods, and cramps, as well as balancing Pitta-related problems.

4. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Shatavari is one of the most well-known herbs for helping women keep their hormones in balance. It helps keep oestrogen levels in check, boosts fertility, and makes periods regular.

5. Liquorice (Yashtimadhu)

Liquorice helps your adrenal glands work better and lowers the effects of stress on your hormones. People often take it when their periods are irregular because they are tired or anxious.

6. Dashmool

This is a traditional Ayurvedic mix of ten roots. It helps reduce inflammation, calm Vata, and strengthen reproductive tissues. This is especially helpful when there is pain or bloating.

7. Niranjan Phal (fruit from China)

This fruit has been used for a long time to stop heavy periods. To help with flow and weakness, it can be soaked overnight and eaten in the morning.

8. Turmeric and Cinnamon

Not only do these herbs warm up your kitchen, but they also help balance hormones and ease cramps. A teaspoon of turmeric and cinnamon in warm milk every day can help your cycle become more regular.

Ayurvedic Therapies for Irregular Periods

Ayurvedic medicines and therapies are both very important for fixing the underlying problem that causes irregular periods. Ayurveda's deep detox and healing system, Panchakarma, includes these treatments. Their goal is to get rid of toxins (Ama), balance the doshas (especially Vata), and bring your body's natural hormonal flow back to normal.

1. Basti (Medicated Enema Therapy): This is one of the best ways to treat irregular periods that are caused by an imbalance in Vata. It helps clear the colon, ease lower abdominal pain, and improve the flow of Apana Vata, which controls menstruation.
2. Abhyanga (a full-body oil massage): This gentle, warm oil massage calms your nerves, increases blood flow to the reproductive organs, and lowers stress, which is often a hidden reason for missed periods.
3. Shirodhara: During this treatment, warm herbal oil is slowly poured on your forehead. It helps with sleep and anxiety-related cycle problems, calms your mind, and balances your hormones.
4. Nasya (Nasal Therapy): Nasya helps when your periods get disturbed because of stress or hormonal imbalance by clearing the channels in your head and making it easier for hormones to flow.
5. Pinda Sweda (Bolus Fomentation): This warm compress with herbal pouches can help with painful or delayed periods. It makes Vata more balanced and helps blood flow in the pelvic area.

When to See an Ayurvedic Doctor

Some menstrual problems go away with simple changes, but others need professional help and care. It's best not to wait if you've been having trouble with your periods for a long time.

If you see these signs, you should see an Ayurvedic doctor:

• You haven't had a period in two months or more.
• You bleed too much or too little.
• You have cramps or pain that make it hard to go about your day.
• You have spotting, clots, or bleeding between your periods.
• You have PCOS, thyroid problems, or fibroids.
• You feel tired, anxious, or mentally low during your period.

Conclusion

Your body has its own natural rhythm, and when your periods go off track, it's a sign that your system needs more than just a temporary fix. Ayurveda is a gentle, long-lasting way to get this rhythm back by fixing the problem at its source.

But keep in mind that what works for one person might not work for another. That's why it's so important to see a qualified Jiva doctor who can help you based on your body type and health. Trying to treat yourself with home remedies or online advice can sometimes delay real healing or make symptoms worse.

If irregular periods are bothering you, take it as your body’s call for attention and choose a path that supports your overall wellbeing, naturally and safely.