Amenorrhea is the absence of a menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age. It’s often seen during pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding). But an unexplained absence of periods can be more serious. If a girl is over the age of 15 and she hasn’t got her first period then its primary amenorrhea. And if you are missing your periods for two or three months in a row after then its secondary amenorrhea. Amenorrhea is often a sign of treatable condition. And in this blog, I will be talking about Ayurvedic treatment for delayed periods.
What is Amenorrhea?
Absence of menstrual periods during childhood, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause, is natural. However, apart from these stages of life, if a woman experiences an absence of periods, it could signal a problem with the reproductive system. This condition is Amenorrhea and a fluctuation in the hormonal levels is often the cause of amenorrhea.
Also Read: 7 Ayurvedic Remedies for menstrual cramps
Why is your period getting delayed?
A range of factors that can cause or trigger amenorrhea include:
- Emotional stress
- Weight loss
- Excessive physical exercise
- Certain medications used to treat mental health conditions
- Disorders of the endocrine system, such as hypothyroidism
- Women with the polycystic ovarian syndrome are especially prone to amenorrhea when they gain weight.
- Hyperandrogenaemia in which the body produces high levels of male sex hormones.
- Hyperprolactinaemia is a condition in which the body produces high levels of the breastfeeding hormone prolactin.
- Ovarian failure or early menopause – low levels of oestrogen cause ovulation to fail, which stops the menstrual cycle.
- Abnormalities of the vagina – a sealed hymen, for example, can prevent menstrual blood from leaving the vagina. This is a rare condition and symptoms include a swollen abdomen, delayed periods and abdominal pain.
Also Read: Impact of delayed sleep timing on post partum depression
What are the symptoms?
- Amenorrhea is a symptom of an underlying disorder which has the following symptoms:
- Galactorrhea or the condition where a woman’s breasts produce milk despite being not pregnant or not breastfeeding.
- Increased hair growth in a male pattern, may be caused by excess androgen.
- Vaginal dryness or disordered sleep may be a sign of ovarian insufficiency or premature ovarian failure.
- Noticeable weight gain or weight loss.
- Excessive anxiety may be present in women with associated psychiatric abnormalities.
- Continuous headaches
- Hair loss
- Pelvic Pain
- Changes in Vision
Did you know?
Increased testosterone levels in amenorrhea may lead to body hair growth and decreased breast size. Increased levels of androgens, especially testosterone, can also lead to ovarian cysts. Some research among runners with amenorrhea indicates that the loss of menses may cause a loss of self-esteem.
Ayurvedic treatment for delayed periods
In ayurveda this condition has different names. They are raja nasha, rajakshaya, anartava. Ayurvedic doctors administer gulma chikitsa,anuloma chikitsa,vata kaphahara chikitsa based on clinical findings.
Ayurveda recommends a strict diet to treat Amenorrhea. A diet to increase pitta and pacify vata and kapha and a diet that is both nourishing and easy to digest. Spices like black pepper, cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, fennel, ginger, cumin, black pepper, fenugreek, clove, celery seed, salt and mustard seed are also highly recommended. So is milk and milk products, except curd. Also, focus on easing constipation and stress as well.
Home remedies you can try
- Fenugreek is a one-stop solution for problems related to the menstrual cycle and reproduction.
- Also, tomatoes can help in treating amenorrhea. Drinking tomato juice every day is a simple remedy.
- Cinnamon is a traditional cure for different ailments, one of them being amenorrhea.
- Saffron is an antioxidant that acts as a toxin-flushing agent for the body.
Also Read: 5 Amazing tips on managing irregular periods
A word of advice
In conclusion, amenorrhea is a serious but treatable condition. And ignoring those missed periods can be more harmful than you think. From infertility to weight gain to body hair growth, the consequences are not favourable. So, if you are facing irregularities in your menses then consider trying these Ayurvedic remedies.
In other words, follow a lifestyle that avoids stress and tension. Do not undertake physical or mental work beyond your capacity. Excessive intercourse should be avoided and limit the use of contraceptives. Follow an active lifestyle, yet the exercises should be according to one’s capacity. Both excessive fasting and overeating are harmful. Smoking, drinking alcohol and using narcotics aggravates menstrual disorders.
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Deepali – 38 years – Housewife
I recommend Dr. Brahmanand Nayak to everyone. He is a very good doctor who first understands the patient very well and treats effectively. I first consulted him for constant headache. He treated me and on further investigated he learnt about my menstrual disorder. He understood my shy nature and counselled me accordingly. I have been taking the medication regularly and I feel completely renewed within. So, do visit him!