An Overview of Polycystic Ovarian Disease Associated Secondary Amenorrhoea in Unani System of Medicine

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder, with multiple reproductive, cosmetic and metabolic complexities which is characterized by dysfunction in ovulation and clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism and the presence of polycystic ovarian morphology. Women with PCOS have increased rate of insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism which have been implicated in the dysfunction of HPO-Axis, leading to anovulation and menstrual irregularities. In classical Unani text, it is mentioned that ihtibas-i-tams usually occurs in women with balghami mizaj and fair complexion, and is mainly caused by dominance of khilt-i-balgham, which increases the viscosity of khun-i-hayd and form sudda, as a result menstrual blood fails to expelled out of the uterus. The treatment available in conventional medicine is oral use of hormone therapy and insulin sensitizing agents, but this treatment has got its own side effects and complications. Several medicines are available in Unani system of medicine, which act as insulin sensitizer, uterotonics and causes withdrawal bleeding in patients with PCOS associated amenorrhoea. This review article gives a detailed description of PCOS associated secondary amenorrhoea including its etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, principle of treatment in Unani system of medicine.