Ayurveda sees the menstrual cycle as a window into a woman’s overall health, reflecting the balance of doshas, tissues, and channels:

• Artava dhatu (and its upadhatu) represents menstrual blood and reproductive tissue; its healthy state is essential for regular, comfortable cycles and conception.

• Vata dosha governs movement and flow—ovulation, menstrual onset, and the downward flow of blood. Disturbed Vata can lead to irregular timing, spasmodic pain, and scanty or obstructed flow.

• Pitta dosha governs heat, transformation, and blood; excess Pitta contributes to heavy, hot, burning periods, irritability, and inflammatory pelvic issues.

• Kapha dosha governs structure and growth; its excess can manifest as weight gain, water retention, and tissue overgrowth, playing a role in conditions such as PCOS.

Hormonal balance is thus understood through dosha balance and agni rather than isolated hormone levels. During perimenopause, for example, classical and modern Ayurvedic discussions describe increasing Vata (irregular cycles, anxiety, insomnia, dryness) and variable Pitta/Kapha shifts (hot flashes, weight gain, sluggishness).

The aim is to:

• Keep Vata grounded and stable in the pelvis and nervous system.

• Prevent excess Pitta from causing heat, heavy bleeding, or irritability.

• Manage Kapha to avoid stagnation, cysts, and weight gain.