Literature review on Perumpadu Rogam (Menorrhagia) in Siddha Medicine

BACKGROUND: Siddha Medicine is one of the Indigenous Medical Systems, which mentions about 4448 diseases affecting humans. Vatha, Pitha and Kapa (Three Humors) are the functional units of the human body. Perumpadu Rogam is a disease condition described in Siddha Medicine which is defined as excessive per vaginal bleeding and with prolonged duration. Perumpadu Rogam can be correlated with Menorrhagia. The causes, classification, and its sign and symptoms have been mentioned in many Siddha literatures. The Literature review on Perumpadu Rogam has not been reported previously. Objectives: To review the concept of Perumpadu Rogam as per the Siddha literatures. Materials and Methods: All the Siddha literatures were reviewed from 13th of February 2018 to 12th of June 2018 at the Library of Unit of Siddha Medicine, University of Jaffna and main library of Jaffna Municipal council which has mentioned about the Perumpadu rogam. Thirteen books were identified and collected for this study. All data were collected, listed out and tabulated. These tabulated data were analyzed. Observations and results: Over 30% of literatures mention that, expose to heat, excessive intercourse, irritation of the external genitalia, excessive anger, tumors in the uterus, abortion and indigestion are the causes of Perumpadu Rogam. Perumpadu Rogam is classified into Vatha, Pitha, Kapa and Thontha. Bleeding per vagina with different colour is present in all four types of Perumpadu Rogam. Pelvic and abdominal pain, headache and backache are the symptoms of Vatha Perumpadu. Burning sensation of the body and burning pain in the vagina are in Pitha Perumpadu. Foul smell, pale body, palpitation, dyspnea on exertion and fainting are in Kapa Perumpadu. Excessive salivation, foul smell, pelvic, abdominal pain and abdominal discomfort backache are the symptoms of Thontha Perumpadu Conclusion: Perumpadu Rogam described in Siddha medicine has the classical features of excessive bleeding per vagina. The disease has been classified based on Dosha and the Respective aetiology has also been mentioned. this disease could be correlated to menorrhagia as per western science.