Fact Check: Can herbal Tea cure PCOS/ PCOD?

Can PCOS/PCOD be cured by Herbal tea?

Claim: A video on the social media site Facebook by Teazaa claims to cure PCOS/PCOD. The video claims that Teaaza Herbal Infusion helped 1 Lakh Women get freedom from PCOS, PCOD, and its clinically tested Ayurvedic herbs help treat the root cause and ensure Natural Periods of time every month. The link to the video is here.

FACT CHECK:

The Claim is FALSE.

What is PCOS/PCOD?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age.”(1) PCOS can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, excess androgen levels and cysts in the ovaries. Irregular periods, usually with a lack of ovulation, can make it difficult to become pregnant. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility.PCOS is a chronic condition and cannot be cured. However, some symptoms can be improved through lifestyle changes, medications and fertility treatments.PCOS is a significant public health problem and is one of the most common hormonal disturbances affecting women of reproductive age.

The condition affects an estimated 8–13% of women of reproductive age, and up to 70% of cases are undiagnosed. The prevalence of PCOS is higher among some ethnicities and these groups often experience more complications, in particular related to metabolic problems.

The biological and psychological effects of PCOS, particularly those related to obesity, body image and infertility, can lead to mental health challenges and social stigma.

Dr Chandrika Anand, Consultant-Obstetrics & Gynecology, Fortis Hospitals, Nagarbhavi, Bengaluru explained "PCOS is a common, complex, endocrinological disorder affecting reproductive tract in reproductive-aged women. There is no exact single cause which can cause the symptoms of PCOS. Instead, there are multiple factors like genetic factors, environmental factors and hormonal factors."

Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome can differ from person to person. Symptoms may change over time and often occur without a clear trigger.

Possible symptoms include:

• heavy, long, intermittent, unpredictable or absent periods
• infertility
• acne or oily skin
• excessive hair on the face or body
• male-pattern baldness or hair thinning
• weight gain, especially around the belly.

People with PCOS are more likely to have other health conditions including, type 2 diabetes,hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, heart disease, endometrial cancer (cancer of the inner lining of the uterus).(3)

PCOS can also cause anxiety, depression and a negative body image. Some symptoms such as infertility, obesity and unwanted hair growth can lead to social stigma. This affects other life areas such as family, relationships, work and involvement in the community.

What is teazaa herbal infusion?

Herbal infusions or teas are beverages made by steeping herbs, flowers, spices, or other plant parts in hot water, known for their variety of flavours and potential health benefits without the caffeine content of traditional teas. As per the Teaza video, it is a herbal mixture of Amla(Indian gooseberry) chamomile saunf(Fennel) manjistha(Rubia cordifolia) moringa(drumstick leaves) punarnava(Boerhaavia diffusa) shankhpushpi(morning-glory,) Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) in proportions. Teazaa is a brand which is selling herbal tea and making the claim 

Can teazaa herbal infusion cure PCOS/PCOD?

No, it cannot cure PCOS/PCOD. PCOS/PCOD cannot be cured, only its symptoms can be improved with some interventions .

PCOD is a lifestyle disorder, some studies have shown some role of Ayurveda in its management.  Drugs and lifestyle also play an important role in its management. (2)

Due to its phytoestrogen, interventions aid in maintaining the healthy growth of ovarian follicles, regulates the menstrual cycle, and revitalizes the female reproductive system (natural plant-based estrogen). (4)

According to Anjali et al. Indian Gooseberry (Amla) is listed as one of the foods that individuals can incorporate into their diet to potentially aid in managing PCOS symptoms, however, nothing is mentioned about a cure. (5)

EXPERT OPINION:

Dr Sunita Sharma, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Infertility Specialist, Fortis Nagarbhavi, Bangalore clarified that "PCOS is a multifactorial disease. It has genetics, lifestyle and neuroendocrine involvement. Though having herbs is good for our body, claiming that only drinking this tea can cure 100% pcos is not true. And it requires lifelong effort in terms of lifestyle modification and physical activity. Doing daily exercises and having a balanced diet can help to reduce the signs and symptoms of PCOS."

Does teazaa herbal infusion have benefits?

The infusion may regulate the hormones and alleviate the symptoms of PCOS/PCOD.

How to manage PCOS/PCOD?

There is no cure for PCOS but treatments may improve symptoms.

Some symptoms of PCOS can be reduced through lifestyle changes. Eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise may help reduce weight and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Birth control medicines (contraceptive pills) sometimes help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms. Other medicines help reduce acne or unwanted hair growth caused by PCOS.

Treatments for infertility due to PCOS include lifestyle changes, medicines or surgery to stimulate regular ovulation. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) may be used but it has some risks.

Medical Dialogues Final Take:

No.PCOS/PCOD cannot be cured. While the elements in the teazaa herbal tea may help manage the symptoms but the claim of freedom from PCOS, PCOD is false.

References:

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.

2. https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/1057.

3.https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/pcos.html#:~:text=Diabetes%E2%80%94more%20than%20half%20of,and%20risk%20increases%20with%20age

4.https://www.ajprd.com/index.php/journal/article/view/1095/1193.

5. https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/1577790881.pdf.