Can Medicinal Plants Help Manage PCOD/PCOS?
From traditional Unani, Ayurveda to modern integrative medicine, natural herbs may support long-term hormonal balance while modern therapies help control symptoms. Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affect millions of women worldwide, with a growing number of cases in India. They bring a complex set of challenges: irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, weight gain, acne, mood changes, and physical signs such as hirsutism (excess facial and body hair) and scalp hair thinning. Modern medicine provides useful tools for symptomatic relief, but the question remains - can medicinal plants - used in Unani, Ayurveda for centuries - play a role in correcting the root causes of this condition?
PCOD/PCOS is not just a gynaecological disorder but a systemic hormonal and metabolic imbalance. Conventional treatments like hormonal pills or insulin-sensitizers can help, but they often need long-term use and may carry potentially larger side effects on long term use. Unani Ayurveda, on the other hand, approaches PCOD as a disorder of reproductive and metabolic balance, offering medicinal herbs and dietary changes that may restore harmony rather than only suppress symptoms. Herbs play a vital role in channelising hormonal balance and very safe for long term uses. It is important to distinguish between controlling symptoms and treating the underlying disorder. Unwanted hair growth is one of the main reason for females to visit clinics wherein role of physician is important to discuss potentially larger side-effects like infertility and other aspects with the patient, its an responsibility to discuss route cause with patient even if referring them to correct specialist where as many patients consider laser hair reduction/removal as an alternative treatment for PCOD, ignoring other side effects until they go beyond treatment sometimes.
Laser Hair Reduction: One of the most effective methods to control unwanted facial or body hair caused by excess androgens. It provides long-term cosmetic relief and boosts confidence. However, laser treatment does not correct PCOD/PCOS—it only reduces the visible hair. Without addressing the root hormonal imbalance, new hair growth may continue. Medications (Hormonal Pills, Metformin): Widely prescribed for regulating periods and improving insulin resistance, but they address only parts of the syndrome and may not be sustainable lifelong.
This is where medicinal plants and holistic treatments step in - not as a replacement for modern therapies, but as partners in long-term management. Today, Unani and modern Ayurvedic formulations are standardizing these herbs into easy-to-use capsules. For example, many formulations and herbs in clinically inspired doses - designed to support menstrual cycle balance, minimize hair thinning, and reduce hirsutism caused by hormonal imbalance. Such formulations represent the bridge between ancient wisdom and modern convenience.
Scientific Evidence for Herbs & Formulations in PCOS
- Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Research: A study published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2018) suggests Shatavari improves menstrual regularity and ovulation by modulating estrogen levels.
Mechanism: Acts as a phytoestrogen, supports follicular development, and reduces stress hormones.
- Fenugreek Seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Clinical Data: A 2015 randomized controlled trial (Int J Med Sci) found fenugreek seed extract improved ovarian morphology and reduced cyst size in PCOS women within 90 days.
Mechanism: Enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces androgen levels.
3.Safoof Mohazzil – Used for weight management, an important factor in PCOS treatment.
Evidence: Weight loss improves ovulatory cycles and reduces androgen excess (Endocrine Society, 2018).
These herbs work on multiple pathways: improving insulin resistance, balancing estrogen-progesterone levels, reducing androgen excess, and supporting ovarian function.
India is uniquely positioned to lead in integrative women’s health care by combining plant-based wisdom with modern medicine. But to do so, we need to raise Public Awareness: Educating women regarding laser, pills, or herbs alone is not enough but true management requires an integrative plan. Quality Control: Ensuring herbal formulations are standardized and safe. So, to conclude can medicinal plants help manage PCOD/PCOS? The answer is yes - but with an important caveat. Herbs alone are not a cure. Instead, when used alongside lifestyle changes and modern interventions like laser hair reduction, they can address both symptoms and underlying imbalances. In a way laser reduce the hair, herbs treat the hormones. Together, they provide a path toward long-term relief and holistic well-being.
Dr Mir Waleed Mansoor is a medical professional and chairman Hair of Kashmir – Aesthetic Clinic in Srinagar
