What Ayurveda says
Classical Ayurveda (strī rōga) treats women's health through the rhythm of the cycle and life stages — menarche, reproductive years, perimenopause and beyond. Each stage is dominated by a different dosha and responds to a different routine.
Possible dosha pattern
Reproductive years lean Pitta-Kapha (building and shedding tissue). Perimenopause shifts decisively into Vāta — drying, irregular, restless. Postmenopause settles into Vāta-Kapha.
Foods to favour
- ·Ghee, soaked almonds, dates and milk in the second half of the cycle
- ·Sesame seeds, leafy greens, beetroot for iron
- ·Warm cooked food during menstruation
Foods to reduce
- ·Cold, raw food and iced drinks during the period
- ·Excess caffeine and alcohol
- ·Restrictive dieting through menstruation
Daily routine
- ·Rest more days 1–3 of the cycle; no intense exercise or fasting
- ·Self-oil massage with sesame oil 2–3× a week
- ·Sleep before 10:30 p.m.
Herbs (with cautions)
- Shatavari
1 tsp in warm milk daily as a tridoshic female tonic
Caution: Avoid in fibrocystic breast disease and oestrogen-sensitive cancers
- Ashoka
Classical herb for heavy menstrual bleeding under guidance
Caution: Not in pregnancy
- Lodhra
Used for irregular cycles and PCOS-type patterns under guidance
Caution: Always with a vaidya
When to see a doctor
Very heavy or prolonged bleeding, severe pain, bleeding between periods, post-menopausal bleeding, or fertility concerns after 12 months of trying — see a GP or gynaecologist.