UNANI PERSPECTIVE OF OLIGOMENORRHOEA: AN UPDATED LITERARY RESEARCH

Infrequent and scanty menstruation is a common problem in women belonging to reproductive age group. Oligomenorrhoea affects 6-18% of women of reproductive age and is mostly managed by hormone therapy which has got its own side effects. One of the most influential Iranian physician, Avicenna (980-1037 A.D.) in his famous book, Canon of medicine, describes oligomenorrhoea under the title of ihtibas-i-tamth. According to USM, normal menstruation is an indicator of healthy normal reproductive organs. One of the main function of the uterus is to excrete the khūn-i-hayd (menstrual blood) which should be normal in amount and duration. Any kind of imbalance between quwwat-i-masika (retentive faculty) and quwwat-i-dafi‘a (expulsive faculty) of rahim (uterus) causes menstrual irregularities. It is caused by domination of khilt balgham (phlegm) which increases the viscosity of blood. Majoosi stated the cause of qillat-i-tamth is su’i-mizāj bārid of rahim (cold temperament of uterus) and siman mufrit (obesity). Unani physicians have given a line of management based on correction of temperament, menstrual regulation by regimental therapies and emmenagogue drugs.