Menstrual cycle involves the changes happening in the uterus and ovaries of women under hormonal influence. Every month one of the ovaries produces an egg which if not fertilized gets shed along with the endometrium as  menses. It is a 28 days cycle wherein the uterus undergoes changes for possible pregnancy.

Different factors like diet, lifestyle, medications, addiction etc. can influence the hormones in women and lead to abnormalities of menstrual cycle like

1. Amenorrhoea- no periods:-  It is the condition in which the period don’t commence even after 15-16 years of age. In some cases the period might stop completely in between for 2-3 cycles.

2. Menorrhagia or heavy bleeding during periods Refers to an excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Menstrual period may last for more than 7 days in this condition and affect normal daily activities.

3. Oligo-menorrhoea or scanty periods:- In this condition the periods last for 2 days or less and involves very little
amount of menstrual flow.

4. Dysmenorrhoea or painful periods:- It refers to painful periods and menstrual cramps. Some women experience symptoms like pain, discomfort, nausea, headache etc before menses termed as Pre menstrual syndrome.

Solutions For Period Abnormalities

• Treating the underlying cause:- The hormonal imbalance is commonly caused by conditions like thyroid abnormalities, PCOS, Obesity etc. Treating these abnormalities help to regularize periods.
• Healthy Diet:- A diet rich in antioxidants helps to maintain the health of reproductive system. A well balance diet having milk, almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, berries etc helps to maintain hormonal balance.
• Regular exercise:- Regular exercise can help control weight, improve metabolism and balance hormones. Cycling, jogging, yoga, dancing, aerobics etc and other such activities help to release the happiness hormones and reduces the stress on reproductive system.
• Drinking Hot water:- Drinking sips of hot water during menses helps to relax the uterine muscles and eases flow. It also relieves bloating and reduces discomfort during menses. A hot water fomentation can also help reduce uterine contraction and reduce pain.
• Herbal help:- Certain herbs like Shatavari, Haridra , Ashok, Amalaki etc help to regularize hormones and act as a reproductive tonic. They also reduce inflammation and pain and can be used under guidance for treatment of period abnormalities.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a very common hormonal disorder affecting 10% of women. PCOS affects women’s hormonal levels thereby affecting the ovaries. It affects the women between 15 and 44 years of age.

Causes:

Heredity:- It is seen that a women with this disorder, may have a mother or sister who has PCOS. PCOS runs in the family.

Insulin resistance:- If a woman has PCOS, her body is not able to utilize insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use sugar from foods for energy. When insulin is not used properly, the body’s demand for insulin increases. And to compensate, our body produces more insulin. More amount of insulin triggers the ovaries to produce more male hormones.

Lifestyle changes:- Eating a lot of junk food, binging, keeping awake late in the night, lack of sleep, sedentary lifestyle are all precursors to metabolic diseases which include PCOS.

Symptoms

• Menstrual irregularities or absence of menses
• Women may suffer from acne, hirsutism (excessive dark, coarse hair on body areas like face, chest and back), acanthosis nigricans (dark velvety patches of skin) and hair loss.
• At a risk of developing obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
• PCOS can affect the woman’s chances of becoming pregnant. Women with PCOS have menstrual problems and are at higher risk of cancer of the endometrium.

Medications for PCOS:

• Birth control pills
• Insulin –sensitizing agents –medicines which improve the body’s ability to use Ayurveda has described many herbs which can effectively help in the management of PCOS by

Herbs beneficial in PCOS

• Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Vijaysaar (Pterocarpus marsupium), Gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre), Jambu (Eugenia jambolana)
• These herbs act as insulin sensitizers
• They help to restore hormonal levels
• They help to lower the high cholesterol levels.
• They help to reduce excess body weight and improve ovulation to improve fertility.

Proper lifestyles, food and good exercise along with herbs are a key to correcting PCOS.

Inability to get pregnant even after frequent sexual intercourse for a year is termed as infertility. When the cause of the infertility is found to come from the female partner, it’s considered female infertility. Female infertility can result from age, physical problems, hormonal issues, and lifestyle or environmental factors.

Causes of Female Infertility

• Defects in the fallopian tube – Fallopian tubes can get damaged due to scars post pelvic infections, endometriosis and pelvic surgery. This can prevent sperm from reaching an egg in the tube and cause infertility.
• Problems with egg – Hormonal imbalance in women can lead to improper growth and maturation of egg and also affect ovulation leading to infertility.
• Chromosomal defects- Certain chromosomal defects can affect the egg and lead to formation of abnormal fetus which doesn’t survive.
• Cervical issues – Unfavourable cervical environment in some women prevents sperm from passing through the cervical canal.
• Uterine issues – Uterine conditions like polyps, fibroids, endometrial defects, endometriosis etc can cause infertility in women.
• Unexplained infertility – In about 20% couple when no reason is found it is described as unexplained infertility.

Tips To Improve Fertility In Women

• Eat Healthy Food- Food rich in antioxidants and having healthy fats helps to maintain health of reproductive system. Fresh fruits, vegetables,
  nuts, seeds, cereals etc should be preferred in everyday diet. Packed, junk and stale food can affect the reproductive health.
• Maintain Weight- Overweight and underweight women are at increased risk of ovulation disorders. If you need to lose weight, exercise moderately, do intermittent fasting and eat right.
• Quit Smoking – Tobacco has multiple negative effects on fertility, it can affect your general health and the health of a fetus. It is also a major cause of miscarriage.
• Avoid Alcohol – Heavy alcohol use may lead to decreased fertility. It can also affect the health of a developing fetus.
• Reduce Stress- Stress can affect fertility and health. Practice yoga and meditation to reduce stress. Indulge in any activity or hobby that makes you happy and reduces stress.

Endometriosis is a common disorder in females, affecting 10-15% of all women of reproductive age group. The inner lining of uterus i.e. endometrium abnormally grows outside the uterus in this disorder. The common organs
affected are ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus etc. This abnormally grown endometrium acts like regular endometrial tissue and bleeds during menses. It leads to pain, inflammation and various other symptoms.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

• Painful periods
• Irregular periods
• Lower back pain during menses
• Pain during and after intercourse
• Blood in stool or urine
• Trouble getting pregnant

Management

• Conventional management of endometriosis incorporates use of pain killers, NSAID’s, hormonal replacement therapy and surgery.
• Certain ayurvedic herbs have been found to be useful in the management of endometriosis.
• Haldi or Turmeric has proven anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce pain in endometriosis.
• Musta effectively delays and stops the proliferation of endometrial cells. It also relieves pain during menses.
• Lodhra helps to restore hormonal balance and is useful in irregular periods.
• Along with these medicines a correct diet and lifestyle changes can help deal with endometriosis and its symptoms naturally.

Yoga and Exercise:

• Yoga like Pawanmuktasana, Kokilasana are known to regulate hormones and reduce menstrual pain.

Discharge through vagina is normal and has protective function. If it is accompanied by itching and has a thick, cottage cheese-like consistency or yellowish appearance it is abnormal. It is also called Leucorrhea. Such discharges
may originate from the vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or, most commonly, the cervix due to various infections.

What are the types of vaginal discharge?

1. Physiologic leucorrhea – It is due to estrogen stimulation. Leucorrhea may occur normally during pregnancy.

2. Inflammatory leucorrhea – It may also result from inflammation or congestion of the vaginal mucosa.

3. Parasitic leucorrhea – Leucorrhea is also caused by Trichomonas vaginalis.

What are the causes of white discharge?

1. Trichomoniasis, Candidiasis – parasitic infection caused by unprotected sex

2. Bacterial infection in pregnant women or women who have multiple sexual partners

3. Birth control pills, Douches, scented soaps or lotions, bubble bath

4. Cervical cancer, Diabetes, Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

5. Chlamydia or gonorrhea (STDs), sexually transmitted infections

6. Vaginal atrophy, the thinning and drying out of the vaginal walls during menopause

7. Vaginitis, irritation in or around the vagina

How is abnormal vaginal discharge diagnosed?

A clinical examination to determine the cause of the discharge is necessary. The exam will include questions about symptoms. Doctor will also perform a pelvic exam to look for swelling and discharge. The doctor may take a sample of the discharge or do a Pap test to collect cells from cervix for further examination.

Treatment for White Discharge

Treatment is eliminating the underlying cause and typically involves administration of an anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory agent.

Prevention of White Discharge

1. After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from getting into the vagina and causing an infection.

2. Keep the vagina clean by washing with a gentle, mild soap and warm water on the outside.

3. Wear cotton underpants during the day. Don’t wear underpants at night.

4. Avoid wearing tight pants, pantyhose, swimming suits, biking shorts, or leotards for long periods.

5. Change your laundry detergent or fabric softener if you think it may be irritating your genital area.

6. Avoid hot tubs. Bathe or shower daily and pat your genital area dry.

7. Avoid scented soaps feminine hygiene sprays, colored or perfumed toilet paper, deodorant pads or tampons, and bubble bath.

Role of Ayurveda and Herbs in White Discharge

1. Lodhra and Ashok arrest excessive vaginal discharge.

2. Gokshur and Neem have potent antifungal action.

3. Daruharidra and Guduchi have anti-inflammatory activity.

4. Nagkeshar and Madayantika has anti-bacterial property.

Lactation is the process by which milk is secreted from the mammary glands of the postpartum female breast. It happens in response to the infant sucking at the nipple.

Breast feeding has multiple health benefits for new born and hence adequate amount of breast milk should be synthesized.

Breast feeding protects against allergies, sickness, and enhances immunity. It is easily digested and forms an excellent source of nourishment for the developing child. Exclusive breastfeeding means that the infant receives only breast milk. It is indicated to be given for first 6 months after birth.

Causes Of Inadequate Lactation

Following factors can affect milk production in women.

• Not taking adequate rest.
• Improper diet.
• Lack of nourishment.
• Stress.
• Irregular sleep.
• Hormonal imbalance.
• Taking other medication.
• Too much caffeine in diet.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption.

Natural Ways To Improve Lactation

• Frequent breast feeding:- The act of breast feeding causes contraction of breast that leads to release of certain hormones responsible for more milk production.
• Have a healthy Diet:- Eat a well balanced nutritious diet comprising of fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals etc. Drink adequate amount of water daily and never skip meals. Drink milk more often which also helps to synthesize more breast milk.
• Take adequate Rest:- Adequate sleep and rest is essential for proper nourishment of women’s body and help to secrete milk in required quantity.
• Household spices for lactation:- Certain spices and food ingredients can help improve milk production. Garlic, ginger, fenugreek, flax seeds, fennel, garden cress seeds etc have galactagouge properties which help in effective production as well as emptying of breast milk from breast.

Menopause is a natural process occurring in the life of every woman. It isthe natural cessation of menstrual cycle which happens after the age of 40. The hormonal changes happening at this age are responsible for
stopping of menstrual cycle. It is a slow process and this may also lead to multiple other changes happening in the body of women.

A woman typically suffers from following symptoms during menopause

Symptoms

• Loss of sleep
• Vaginal dryness
• Emotional changes & mood swings
• Fatigue and irritability
• Dry skin, eyes, or mouth
• Palpitations
• Joint pain
• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Loss of sex drive

Diet & Lifestyle changes helpful during menopause

Lifestyle changes help many women deal with menopause symptoms.

• If you are having hot flashes, drink cooling drinks like coconut water, fresh fruit juices etc. Applying a cooling facepack and foot pack made with sandalwood, multani mitti, rose water might help.
• Use a vaginal moisturizer or lubricant for dryness and itching.
• Stay socially and mentally active to avoid anxiety and irritation.
• Have fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Diet rich in antioxidants like flaxseeds, methi, soyabeans, walnuts, almonds, berries etc will help reduce the symptoms of menopause.
• A calcium rich diet including milk, soyabeans, cabbage, dates, ragi will make up for calcium loss and take care of joints and bones.
• Limit the intake of alcohol and avoid smoking. Both can cause early menopause and increase hot flashes.
• Exercise regularly to sleep better and prevent conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
• Regular practice of yoga will help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.