A Clinical Study on Effectiveness of Mandukaparnyadi Paniya in Managing Psychological Symptoms During Menopausal Transition

Menopause is a physiological process denoted as Rajonivrutti Cessation of menstruation in Ayurveda Menopausal transition is a period which represents the passage from reproductive to non-reproductive life called as perimenopause This commonly occurs in women in their late 40s and early 50s psychological variations are a major concern during menopausal transition like trouble concentrating irritability fatigue depression anxiety sleep disturbances and poor memory when it causes discomfort either to mind or body it requires medical interference The hormonal fluctuations especially oestrogen that occurs during perimenopause can have a marked effect on psychological well-being Perimenopausal symptoms can have a significant impact on a woman s quality of life affecting her physical health emotional well-being and social functioning Symptoms such as hot flashes sleep disturbances and mood swings can interfere with daily activities work productivity and interpersonal relationships Prevalence of psychological symptoms is seen in 80% of women in perimenopausal period Some of the women may be asymptomatic or may have minimal symptoms or the symptoms may go unnoticed Hence there is an acute need to address the mental health status of this age group In contemporary system of medicine this condition is treated with Hormone replacement therapy HRT which is useful in treating vasomotor symptoms sleep disturbance and genitourinary symptoms and less efficient in treating psychological symptoms which is more prevalent in perimenopause Anxiolytics and Anti depressants can also be given but after withdrawal the symptoms reappear patient may become drug dependent Ayurveda literature also recognises the age group around 50 years as the period of Rajonivrutti Menopause During this period women is at the verge of middle age and there is gradual decline in all Dhatus bodily tissues eventually leading to Arthavakshaya cessation of menstruation This is correlated to perimenopausal stage An approach of combined medicinal herbs like shatavari mandukaparni guduchi having properties of Medhya nootropic Rasayana rejuvenation helps in balancing doshas and has phytoestrogen selective oestrogen receptor modulators SERM adaptogen anti-oxidant Thus the current study aimed at restoring mental health of this age group by administering a naturally available herbs as a medicine in the form of Paniya Kalpana which is convenient easy instant preparation in fast moving lifestyle