Management of Secondary Amenorrhea (~Nasthartava) by Ayurveda: A Case Report and Conceptual Review

Abstract

Secondary amenorrhea is a multifactorial condition commonly associated with disturbances in the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) axis. While conventional management relies primarily on hormonal therapy, there is growing interest in complementary approaches that are safe and sustainable. This paper presents a case of secondary amenorrhea managed with an Ayurvedic treatment protocol, along with a brief conceptual review integrating traditional principles with contemporary understanding. The patient presented with absence of menstruation for a prolonged duration. A personalized treatment regimen, including oral medications and selected therapeutic procedures, was administered over a defined period. The patient demonstrated restoration of menstrual cycles along with improvement in associated clinical symptoms, with no adverse effects reported during treatment or follow-up. The conceptual component explores possible mechanisms underlying the observed outcomes, including modulation of neuroendocrine pathways and regulation of the HPO axis. This case suggests that Ayurvedic management may offer a potential non-hormonal therapeutic option in secondary amenorrhea.