Can We Prevent PCOD With Ayurveda? A Complete Guide

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women today. It affects menstrual health, skin, weight, mood, and fertility. Many women ask, “why’s my periods are late?”, “what causes delay in periods?”, or “what causes late menses?”—and the answer often links back to hormonal imbalance.

 

Ayurveda believes PCOD develops when the body’s doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—get imbalanced due to unhealthy lifestyle, stress, poor digestion, and low physical activity.The disease occurs as Rajakshaya which means delayed menses or less flow during menses. As we believe ‘prevention is better than cure’, it is always better to keep the hormones in level and prevent PCOD. PCOD can be prevented naturally with Ayurveda through diet, yoga, lifestyle management, and herbal support.

What is PCOD? – A Simple Introduction

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a hormonal disorder where the ovaries produce many immature eggs that turn into small cysts. This affects ovulation, hormone levels, and the regularity of menstrual cycle.

Women with PCOD often experience irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and mood changes. Ayurveda explains PCOD as an imbalance of the body’s doshas mainly Kapha which is disturbed with unhealthy lifestyle and diet.

What Causes PCOD?

Ayurveda says PCOD develops due to Kapha imbalance with Vata obstruction. This is caused by:

• Eating junk, processed, oily foods
• Late-night sleeping
• Sitting for long hours
• Stress & anxiety
• Lack of exercise
• Poor digestion
• Hormonal fluctuation

These factors also answer common search queries like “what causes late menses” or “why’s my period late.”

Signs & Symptoms of PCOD

Many symptoms are related to hormones, metabolism, and digestion. Common symptoms include:

Menstrual Symptoms

• Irregular periods
• Delayed menstrual period
• Heavy bleeding or very light bleeding
• What causes delay in menses is often linked to PCOD

Hormonal Symptoms

• Acne
• Facial hair (hirsutism)
• Dark patches around neck & underarms

Psychological Symptoms

• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Low energy

Hair & Skin Symptoms

• Excessive hair fall
• Hair thinning
• Dry skin
• Dandruff

Metabolic Symptoms

• Weight gain
• Difficulty losing weight
• Cravings & emotional eating

If these signs appear frequently, consult an expert for evaluation.

Can PCOD Be Prevented with Ayurveda? Yes! Here’s How

Prevention of PCOD is possible when you support your body through:

• Ayurvedic diet
• Daily lifestyle routines
• Yoga
• Floor exercises
• Herbal support

Let’s break it down.

Ayurvedic Diet to Prevent PCOD

Ayurveda focuses on balancing hormones naturally through food.

❖ Foods to Include

• Warm, home-cooked meals
• Green leafy vegetables
• Whole grains (millets, brown rice)
• Turmeric, cinnamon & cumin
• Fresh fruits (papaya, pomegranate)
• Healthy fats (ghee, nuts, seeds)
• Herbal teas (cinnamon tea, ginger tea)

❖ Foods to Avoid

• Sugar & sweets
• Maida / refined flour
• Oily & deep-fried foods
• Cold drinks
• Excess dairy
• Junk / fast food

❖ Foods for Hormonal Balance

• Flax seeds
• Sesame seeds
• Almonds
• Raisins soaked in water (good for mood & energy)

Balanced diet also supports issues like:

• Hair fall
• White discharge (Ayurvedic herbs helps more)
• Mood swings

Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips to Prevent PCOD

Daily routine matters more than we think.

❖ Healthy Daily Habits

• Wake up early (before 7 AM)
• Regular meal timings
• Stay hydrated with warm water
• Avoid long sitting hours
• 20–30 mins morning sunlight

❖ Manage Stress

Stress directly triggers hormonal imbalance leading to:

• mood swings
• emotional eating
• delayed periods
• hair fall

Try:

• Herbal Tea having Brahmi in it
• Ashwagandha (with medical guidance)
• Deep breathing

Yoga for PCOD Prevention

Yoga improves hormonal balance by relaxing the mind and increasing blood flow to reproductive organs.

❖ Best Yoga Asanas

• Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
• Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose)
• Malasana (Garland Pose)
• Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
• Naukasana (Boat Pose)
• Surya Namaskar

❖ Breathing Practices

• Anulom Vilom
• Bhramari
• Kapalbhati (do under expert guidence)

Floor Exercises Along With Yoga

Exercise boosts metabolism and keeps weight in check—a major factor in PCOD prevention.

❖ Best Floor Exercises

 1.Leg raises –

Uses: Strengthens lower abdominal muscles and improves pelvic blood flow for hormonal balance.
How to Do: Lie on your back, keep legs straight, lift them up to 90° and slowly lower them without touching the floor.

2.Glute bridge

Uses: Improves insulin sensitivity, strengthens glutes, and enhances reproductive organ support.
How to Do: Lie on your back with knees bent, lift your hips upward, hold for 3 seconds, and lower down.

3.Plank

Uses: Builds core strength and reduces belly fat, which helps regulate hormones in PCOD.
How to Do: Hold your body straight on elbows and toes, keeping your core tight for 20–40 seconds.

4.Bicycle crunches

Uses: Reduces fat around the waist and boosts metabolism.

How to Do: Lie on your back, lift shoulders off the mat, bring opposite elbow to opposite    knee in a pedalling motion.

5.Hip strengthening workouts

Uses: Strengthens pelvic floor and improves menstrual health.
How to Do: Lie on your back, knees bent, lift your pelvis upward slowly and lower it back.

6.Pelvic tilts

Uses: Relieves lower back tension and supports uterus alignment.
How to Do: Lie flat, bend knees, gently tilt pelvis upward by tightening your abdomen.

7.Stretching routines

Uses: Reduces stress, relaxes muscles, and improves blood circulation.
How to Do: Perform full-body stretches like forward bends, side stretches, and seated stretches for 10–15 minutes.

Natural Remedies (Ayurveda) That Support PCOD Prevention

These herbs help cleanse the body, balance hormones, and improve cycles daily:

Shatavari

1 teaspoon Shatavari powder with warm water or milk once Ashoka

10–15 ml Ashoka syrup with warm water, once or twice a day.

Lodhra

½ teaspoon Lodhra powder with warm water before meals.

Triphala

1 teaspoon Triphala powder at night with warm water.

Cinnamon

Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder to warm water or herbal tea once daily.

Fenugreek seeds

Soak 1 teaspoon seeds overnight, drink the water and chew the seeds in the morning.

Aloe vera juice

10–20 ml aloe vera juice on an empty stomach in the morning.

Always consult an Ayurvedic doctor before starting herbs.

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience:

• Periods missing for 2–3 months
• Severe mood swings
• Excessive hair fall
• Constant fatigue
• Rapid weight gain

Your body may need guided Ayurvedic treatment.

Conclusion

Yes, PCOD can be prevented naturally with Ayurveda when you maintain:

✔ A balanced diet
✔ Healthy daily routine
✔ Yoga & floor exercises
✔ Stress-free lifestyle

Your body heals beautifully when treated gently and consistently.