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MENSTRUAL IRREGULARITIES IN A WOMAN WITH OBESITY: A CASE REPORT WITH AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVES
Abstract
Background: Menstrual-cycle disturbances may occur alongside obesity, but the relationship is complex and does not establish causation in an individual patient. Metabolic changes, insulin resistance and altered reproductive-hormone signalling may be relevant. Ayurvedic descriptions of Artava and Apana Vata offer a traditional interpretive framework. Aim: To discuss infrequent menstruation in a reproductive-age woman with obesity through contemporary physiological concepts and an Ayurvedic perspective. Case presentation: The supplied draft describes an illustrative 26-year-old woman with gradually lengthening menstrual intervals and weight gain. The clinical approach includes menstrual history, anthropometry, examination and investigations selected according to the differential diagnosis. These details are not verified patient observations and must be replaced before submission. Discussion: Potential explanations include ovulatory dysfunction, PCOS, thyroid disease, hyperprolactinaemia and pregnancy, among other causes. Obesity may influence insulin sensitivity and sex-hormone availability, but BMI alone cannot identify the cause. Ayurvedic concepts including Artava Dushti, Apana Vata and Meda Dhatu may be discussed as traditional constructs, not as substitutes for biomedical diagnosis. Conclusion: Assessment should combine menstrual history with appropriate clinical, endocrine and metabolic evaluation. An integrated discussion is useful when the limits of each explanatory framework are clearly stated.
Keywords
Obesity; menstrual irregularities; oligomenorrhoea; reproductive health; Artava Dushti; Apana Vata; Ayurveda.
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