A Critical Review of Endometriosis and its Multiple Etiopathogenic Theories in the Light of Ayurveda

Hina Chaudhary, Shilpa B. Donga
In: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences · 2026 · vol. 11(7) , pp. 410–415 · doi:10.21760/jaims.11.7.58 · W7203861731
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This review interprets endometriosis etiopathogenic theories through Ayurvedic principles, correlating immune dysfunction and gut dysbiosis with concepts like Rakta Dushti and Apana Vata Vaigunya to provide a holistic disease understanding.

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This review critically examines contemporary etiopathogenic theories of endometriosis, including immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiome alterations, by correlating them with Ayurvedic medical concepts. The authors map modern findings such as inflammation and oxidative damage to Ayurvedic principles like Rakta Dushti, Ama, and Agnimandya, while linking gut dysbiosis to Rasavaha Srotodushti. They further associate the proliferation of ectopic tissue and menstrual pain with Kapha-Meda Dushti and Apana Vata Vaigunya, respectively. This paper is centrally about endometriosis, specifically offering a holistic interpretive framework that integrates Western pathophysiological mechanisms with traditional Ayurvedic diagnostic categories.

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Abstract

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, leading to pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial and remains incompletely understood. Objective: To critically review the etiopathogenic theories of endometriosis and interpret them through Ayurvedic principles. Methods: Contemporary evidence on immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiome alterations in endometriosis was reviewed and correlated with Ayurvedic concepts. Results: Immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation can be understood as manifestations of Rakta Dushti and Ama. Oxidative stress correlates with Agnimandya and subsequent Ama formation. Gut dysbiosis may represent Rasavaha Srotodushti, influencing estrogen metabolism and immune regulation. The survival and proliferation of ectopic endometrial tissue resemble Kapha–Meda Dushti, while pain and menstrual abnormalities are attributable to Apana Vata Dushti. Conclusion: Endometriosis can be interpreted as a disorder involving Agnimandya, Ama, Rakta Dushti, Kapha–Meda Dushti, and Apana Vata Vaigunya. Integrating modern etiopathogenic theories with Ayurvedic concepts provides a holistic understanding of the disease and may guide future therapeutic approaches.
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Background

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, leading to pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial and remains incompletely understood. Objective: To critically review the etiopathogenic theories of endometriosis and interpret them through Ayurvedic principles. Methods: Contemporary evidence on immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiome alterations in endometriosis was reviewed and correlated with Ayurvedic concepts. Results: Immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation can be understood as manifestations of Rakta Dushti and Ama. Oxidative stress correlates with Agnimandya and subsequent Ama formation. Gut dysbiosis may represent Rasavaha Srotodushti, influencing estrogen metabolism and immune regulation. The survival and proliferation of ectopic endometrial tissue resemble Kapha–Meda Dushti, while pain and menstrual abnormalities are attributable to Apana Vata Dushti. Conclusion: Endometriosis can be interpreted as a disorder involving Agnimandya, Ama, Rakta Dushti, Kapha–Meda Dushti, and Apana Vata Vaigunya. Integrating modern etiopathogenic theories with Ayurvedic concepts provides a holistic understanding of the disease and may guide future therapeutic approaches. Downloads

References

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