Abstract

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF SECONDARY AMENORRHEA (NASHTARTAVA): A CASE REPORT

*Reshma Hanumant Kanade

Abstract

Amenorrhea is defined as absence of menstruation for at least a period of 6 months, categorised into primary amenorrhea (before menarche) and secondary amenorrhea (after menarche Primary amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation by the age of 16 even with the normal secondary sexual characters Secondary amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation for 6 months or more in a woman with previous spontaneous regular cycles Ayurveda refers to menstruation as Artava or Rajah. According to Acharya Sushruta, Secondary amenorrhoea is described as destruction of Artava (Nashtartava). According to Ayurveda secondary amenorrhea is correlated with Artavkshay, Anartav or Nashtartav. Acharya Sushruta explains that nashtartav occurs in female due to vata kapha aavaran of Artava vahastrotas. This is the case of 30 years old unmarried patient with delayed menstrual cycles she was admitted in in patient department treatment was given based on nashtartav management. Sanshodhan (purifactory procedure) and Agneya dravya upyoga with hot potency) are the line of management mentioned in ayurveda. Sanshodhan chikitsa like basti and Nasya were administered with proper care; she attained menstruation shortly after treatment followed by two more cycles. This case demonstrates the role of Ayurveda in the management of nashtartav without any adverse effects.

Keywords: Secondary amenorrhea, Nashtartava, Artavavaha srotas, Basti, Nasya, Ayurveda.