Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Artava Kshaya): Genetic and Nongenetic Etiopathology and Diagnosis: An Ayurvedic Narrative Review

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common heterogeneous endocrine disorder and about 6% to 20% of women are affected in their reproductive age. Clinical manifestations arise during the early pubertal years, and it’s characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, anovulation, acne, Oligomenorrhea/Amenorrhea, Hirsutism, and frequently infertility. Despite recent advancements in technologies in the scientific world pathophysiology of PCOS is still challenging and initially, most available clinical data communicated findings and outcomes is only in adult women. After that, the Rotterdam criteria are most accepted for adult women and adolescent girls. The diagnostic features for adolescent girls are based on classical tried e.g., menstrual irregularity, clinical hyperandrogenism, and/or hyperandrogenemia. Whereas findings of pelvic ultrasound are significant in adult women but least significant in adolescent girls. Mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder also occur more frequently in both adolescent girls and women with PCOS. Ayurveda gives prime importance to maintain the healthiness of women and literature provides many references related to signs and symptoms of PCOS in the same way and hence PCOS correlated with Artava kshaya. This review aims to display comprehensive knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of PCOS and Artava Kshaya. The efforts made here will enable earlier identification of girls and adult women with a high propensity to develop PCOS. The timely implementation of individualized therapeutic interventions will improve the overall management of PCOS, prevent associated comorbidities, and improve quality of life. This review emphasizes the various etiological aspects and screening recommendations currently in use to prevent and manages PCOS.