Abstract

AYURVEDIC INSIGHTS INTO PRIMARY AMENORRHEA: CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND HOLISTIC APPROACHES

*Alka S. Singh and Kavita C. Mule

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Abstract

Primary amenorrhea is a medical condition characterized by the absence of menstrual periods in a female by the age of fifteen, in the absence of secondary sexual characteristics, or by the age of thirteen with the presence of secondary sexual characteristics. It represents a delay or failure in the onset of menstruation, and its diagnosis often involves an evaluation of hormonal, anatomical, or genetic factors that may contribute to the absence of menstrual cycles in an individual who has reached the typical age of menarche. This condition can lead to a prolonged absence of menstrual periods, contributing to potential longterm consequences such as increased vulnerability to bone density loss, infertility, hormonal imbalances, and ramifications for reproductive and metabolic health. This emphasizes the importance of consistent monitoring and appropriate medical interventions. In Ayurveda, the correlation of primary amenorrhea is intricately associated with the concepts of Vandhya, Varta, Shandhi Yonivyapad, etc., representing conditions related to menstrual disorders and disruptions in the female reproductive system. The causative factors of primary amenorrhea are attributed to Beeja Dosha (imbalance at the level of reproductive elements) and Dushtartava (vitiation of female reproductive tissues or hormones). These Ayurvedic concepts highlight the role of imbalances in the reproductive elements (beeja) and the integrity of reproductive tissues (artava) in the occurrence of primary amenorrhea. The understanding of primary amenorrhea within the Ayurvedic framework involves addressing these factors by restoring equilibrium in doshas and promoting the proper functioning of reproductive elements for optimal menstrual health. Integrating these interconnected factors with modern concepts allows for a comprehensive evaluation of reproductive health.

Keywords: Primary amenorrhoea, Anartava, Dushtartava, Amenorrhoea.