Leucorrhea, Anemia, Acne Pimples in females

Leucorrhea, anemia, and acne or pimples are common health concerns among females, especially during adolescence and reproductive age. These conditions often coexist due to shared causes such as hormonal imbalance, stress, and nutritional deficiencies, and require a holistic management approach involving diet, lifestyle correction, and in some cases, Ayurvedic or medical intervention.

Leucorrhea

1)Modern View-

Leucorrhea is a condition characterized by a white or yellowish vaginal discharge that may be thick, sticky, or watery.

Causes of Leucorrhea-

Physiological Causes -These are due to natural body processes 

• Hormonal changes during menstrual cycle
• Pregnancy – increased estrogen levels and blood flow to the vaginal area
• Sexual arousal
• Ovulation period – clear and stretchy discharge
• Emotional stress or fatigue
• Lack of genital hygiene

Pathological Causes (Abnormal)-These are due to infections, diseases, or poor health .

• Fungal (Candida albicans),Bacterial vaginosis, Trichomoniasis, Chlamydia or Gonorrhea
• Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix)
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID

• Anemia
• Malnutrition

Symptoms:

• White, sticky discharge
• Weakness, fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Backache, itching, irritability

Diagnosis of White Discharge Based on Its Color

Fungal (Candida albicans) – thick, white, curd-like discharge with itching
Bacterial vaginosis – thin, grey-white discharge with fishy odor
Trichomoniasis – frothy, yellow-green discharge with foul smell and irritation
Chlamydia or Gonorrhea – sexually transmitted infections

Treatment of Leucorrhea

Antibiotics or Antifungals: antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin, antifungal agents like fluconazole or topical clotrimazole.

2)Ayurvedic View-

In Ayurveda, leucorrhea is referred to as “Shweta Pradara” (श्वेत प्रदर).Primarily a Kapha-dominant disorder, sometimes with involvement of Pitta and Vata.

शुक्लशीतमृषद्रावं तन्मलं तु प्रवर्तते।कफप्रकृतिसङ्गेन प्रवृद्धं बहुलं बहु॥ (Charaka Chikitsa Sthana 30/44)

White, cold, slightly thick, sticky discharge occurs due to Kapha dosha. When aggravated, it becomes excessive and continuous. This is considered a symptom of Shukla Pradara (Shvet Pradar).

Nidan(Causes):

Excessive consumption of guru (heavy), snigdha (oily), and madhura (sweet) foods
Agni Mandya (low digestive fire)
Apana Vayu vitiation
Overexertion, mental stress
Improper hygiene or postnatal care

Lakshan(symptoms);

Kati shroni udar peeda(White, slimy, and excessive vaginal discharge.)

Shwet shrav(Pain in lower back, pelvis, and abdomen)
Daurbalaya(weakness)

Malinta(malaise)

Yoni kandu daah(vaginal itching and burning)

Ayurvedic Treatment

Deepana & Pachana – Digestive correction with Trikatu, Chitrak
Stambhana Dravyas – Astringents like Lodhra, Ashoka, Musta,Pushyanug Churn
Rasayana Chikitsa – Rejuvenation with Shatavari, Guduchi,Ashwagandha
Yoni Prakshalana (vaginal wash) – Triphala decoction, Panchavalkala Kwatha
Basti Karma – In chronic cases, to correct Apana Vayu

Diet & Lifestyle (Pathya-Apathya)

Pathya (To Avoid);

Light, easily digestible food
Warm water, herbal teas

Apathya (To Avoid);

Excessively sweet, oily, cold, or dairy-heavy foods
Late-night sleep, excessive physical strain

Anemia In Females-

1)Modern View-

Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells (RBCs) or hemoglobin concentration, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. It is highly prevalent in females, especially during adolescence, reproductive years, pregnancy, and lactation.

Causes of Anemia in Females:

Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
Postpartum hemorrhage

Iron deficiency (most common)
Folic acid or Vitamin B12 deficiency

Intestinal worms (helminthic infections)

Common Symptoms of Anemia in Females:

Fatigue and weakness
Pale skin and mucous membranes
Shortness of breath
Dizziness,Hair fall and brittle nails

Diagnosis:

CBC (Complete Blood Count)
Serum Ferritin and Iron levels

Treatment (Modern Medicine):

Iron Supplementation:Oral ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, or parenteral iron if needed.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements:Folic acid, Vitamin B12

2)Ayurvedic View (Pandu Rog)

Pandu is a disease of Rasa-Vaha Srotas and it is a Pitta Pradhan Vyadhi in which due to Pitta Pradhan Hetusevana, Pitta dominant Tri Dosha Prakopa occurs and causes Dhatu Shaithilyam and Dhatu Gauravam, further it leads Sneha, Bala, Varna, and Ojokshaya and due to this Rakta and Meda Dhatu decreases and Vaivarnata occurs.

Nidana (Causes) 

Rūkṣa, Laghū, and Apatarpaṇa Ahāra (Dry, light, and undernourishing diet)
Ativyayama (Excessive physical exertion)
Rakta kṣaya (Excessive blood loss – e.g., menorrhagia, postpartum bleeding)

Mandagni (Weak digestion/metabolic fire)
Daurbalya due to stress or improper lifestyle

Lakṣaṇa (Symptoms)

Pandutvam(paleness in eye and skin)

daurbalya(weakness)

Hridaya spandan(palpitations)

swedadhikya(excessive sweat)

Man udveg(mental confusion)

Chikitsa (Treatment Principles):

Deepana & Pachana:Improve Agni with herbs like Trikatu, Chitraka,ajmoda,sunthi,mustha.
Rasayana & Brimhana Chikitsa (Nourishing & Rejuvenating Therapy):
Draksha, Mandura Bhasma, Punarnava, Ashwagandha, Shatavari
Navayas Lauha, Dhatri Lauha, Punarnavadi Mandura
Lauha Bhasma with honey or Guda,darim ghrit.
Ahara (Diet):include iron-rich foods like Draksha (raisins), Beetroot, Spinach, Gud (jaggery)
Milk with Shatavari or Ashwagandha churna

Pimples Acne in females During Adolescence

1)Modern View-
Acne (pimples) is a common skin condition, especially in adolescent and adult females, caused by inflammation of the pilosebaceous (oil) glands and hair follicles, hormonal imbalance.

Causes of Acne in Females

Hormonal Imbalance-In PCOD due to hormonal imbalance.
Oily Skin & Clogged Pores:

Poor Diet:High sugar, dairy, junk food
Stress & Lack of Sleep
Cosmetic Products:Comedogenic creams and makeup
Environmental Factors:Pollution,dust

Symptoms of Acne in Females:

Whiteheads and blackheadsRed, inflamed pimples
Pus-filled lesions (pustules)
Painful cystic acne

Treatment of Acne and Pimples (Allopathy);

Benzoyl Peroxide: Reduces acne-causing bacteria and helps dry out existing pimples.
Retinoids (e.g., Tretinoin, Adapalene): Promote cell turnover and prevent clogging of pores.
Antibiotics (e.g., Clindamycin, Erythromycin): Used to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria on the skin.
Salicylic Acid: Helps exfoliate the skin and unclog pores.

2)Ayurveda View- Mukhadushika

In Sushruta Samhita, Mukhadūṣikā (acne or pimples) is mentioned under Kṣudra Roga (minor diseases) in the Nidāna Sthāna.

मुखदूषिका नाम शिराः पूर्या लोमकोटरेषु बहुशः ।

रक्ताः शुक्लास्तरुणाः स्यु: कफवातप्रकोपतः ॥

Sushruta Samhita, Nidana Sthana, Chapter 13 – Kṣudra Roga Nidanam

Ayurvedic classics explain Mukhadhushika in the context of Kshudraroga, which is caused by the vitiation of Kapha, Vata, And Rakta featuring the formation of Shalmalikantakavat Pidaka or pimples on the face, along with Ruja (pain).

Nidan(Causes)-

Katu ,amla padarth atyadhik sevan(oily, spicy, and fried food)

Excessive Pitt and kaph prakupit avhar sevan

Chikitsa(Treatment)-

Shodhana (Panchkarma):
Virechana (purgation) -for Pitta-Rakta Shuddhi
Raktamokshana (bloodletting) -for rakt sodhan

Leech therapy(jaloka)-Application of leeches (Jalauka) to remove impure blood from a localized area affected by Pitta-Rakta dushti.

Shamana (Pacification):
Herbs: Manjishtha, Sariva, Haridra, Nimba, Triphala

Lepa (external application): Lodhra, Chandan, Multani mitti,sariva,manjistha with honeyrosewater

Shatdhaut Ghrit-100 times washed ghee is used is local application in pimples and acne.Its cooling effect balances the aggravated pitt and inflammation.

Classical Medicines for Mukhdushika-

Khadirarishta

Sarivadyasava

Manjishtadi Kwath 

Panchtikta Ghrita Guggulu

Kaishor Guggul

Pathya (Diet & Lifestyle):
Avoid oily, spicy, and fried food
Eat light, easily digestible food
Maintain hygiene and avoid stress

Conclusion-

Leucorrhea, anemia, and acne or pimples are common yet often neglected health issues in females. Though they may seem unrelated, these conditions frequently share common underlying causes such as hormonal imbalance, poor nutrition, stress, and lifestyle irregularities. Addressing these concerns requires a holistic approach—timely diagnosis, appropriate medical or Ayurvedic treatment, and corrective changes in diet, hygiene, and lifestyle. Empowering women with awareness of these condition and how Ayurveda can help in these disorders is key to ensuring their overall health and confidence.