Ayurvedic Treatment Of Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding

Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB) is an abnormal uterine bleeding which occurs outside the regular cycle of menstruation. It usually presents as heavy menstrual bleeding.
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is more common around the menarche and peri-menopause. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding often occurs when the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, is stimulated to grow by the hormone estrogen. When exposure to estrogen is extended, or not balanced by the presence of progesterone, the endometrium continues to grow until it outgrows its blood supply. Then it sloughs off, thereby causing irregular heavy bleeding.

Causes of Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB):
Uterine pathology: bulky uterus, polyps, fibroids, carcinoma, infection -including pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis
System disease: hypothyroidism, liver disease, obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, haematological disorders.
Iatrogenic causes: oral contraceptive pills (OCPs),nonprogestin-containing IUDs,nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,(NSAIDS), anticoagulant treatment.

Symptoms of Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB):

  • Vaginal bleeding between periods
  • Abnormal menstrual periods
  • Variable menstrual cycles (usually less than 28 days between menstrual periods)
  • Variable menstrual flow ranging from scanty to profuse
  • Infertility
  • Mood swings
  • Hot flashes
  • Vaginal tenderness

DUB Ayurvedic View:
DUB is elaborated in ayurvedic texts as ASRIGDHARA. Sushruta asigns the term for this as LOHITKSHARA (Su.Ut.38) and Charak postulates this as ASRAJA the RAKTAPITTA type disorder. According to Ayurveda, DUB is caused mainly by vitiation of the Pitta Dosha with Rakta Dhatu and Vata.

Ayurvedic Treatment/ Management for Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding:
Ayurvedic treatment for DUB includes internal treatment with medicines, Panchakarma, external treatment, proper diet, positive lifestyle and other procedures.

Medicinal treatment for DUB: Stambhana Dravyas (for reduceing excessive blood flow),Pitta Shamaka (Balances pitta),Vatanulomana (Vata balancing) and Rakta Prasadaka dravyas are used.
Examples - Bolbaddh ras, Bolparpatee, Pushpdhanva ras, Purn chandrodaya ras, Pushyanug churna, Aswagandha churn, Shubhra Bhasm, Kanya lauhadi vati, Maha phal ghrit, Ashokarishtha, balarishtha, Chandanasava, usheerasava, Baboolarishtha etc.

Panchakarma for DUB: - Panchakarma includes five therapies like Virechana, Basti, etc., that gets the body rid of toxins
External treatments like Yoni Prakshalana (vaginal cleansing), Pichu (vaginal sterilization with medicated oil and ghee), Avagaha Sweda (sitz bath), Abhyanga (massaging with herb-medicated warm oil), Chakra Basti (application of Ayurvedic medicine on the naval area) and Takradhara (treatment with buttermilk) help immmensely.

Yoga for DUB: - Nadi-Shodhan Pranayama or Anulom-Vilom Pranayama.
Asanas like-Badha konasana or yoga mudra, Vakrasana, Uddiyana, Sarvangasana, Matasyasana, and Shavasana. meditation, mudras

Ahar(Food) for DUB: - The Madhur and Kashay Ras rich foodstuff is appreciable.

Vihar(Lifestyle changes) for DUB:- specific to the individual’s constitution, nature of work and geographical conditions.

Home Remedies for DUB: -
1] The bark of Ashoka tree mixed with milk and water is an effective natural remedy for those who are suffering from DUB.
2] The flower of the banana is another remedy for this ailment. Have cooked banana flower with some curd and it can help DUB improve significantly.