Management of Alpa Artava (Oligomenorrhea) with Chitrakadi Vati: A Case Study

Abstract

Background: Alpa Artava is an Ayurvedic clinical entity characterized by an irregular interval between menstrual cycles, prolonged intermenstrual periods, and scanty or painful bleeding. It closely correlates with modern clinical presentations of oligomenorrhea. In contemporary medicine, hormone therapy is the conventional choice but carries risks of withdrawal dependency and metabolic side effects. This case study evaluates the efficacy of Chitrakadi Vati, an Agni-vardhaka and VataKapha shamaka formulation, in restoring a healthy, regular menstrual cycle. Case Description: A 26-year-old unmarried female nursing officer presented with a history of regular cycles that became irregular (>45–60 days interval) over the last 6 months, along with scanty bleeding lasting only 1–2 days and associated dysmenorrhea. Evaluation revealed Mandagni (low digestive fire) and a VataKapha clinical picture. Transvaginal ultrasonography confirmed normal pelvic anatomy and an endometrial thickness of 8 mm. Following a brief 5-day course of withdrawal progesterone therapy to induce bleeding , the patient was administered Chitrakadi Vati 250 mg, two tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after food) starting from the 5th day of her cycle for a continuous duration of two months. Results: Significant therapeutic improvements were observed over two successive menstrual cycles. The intermenstrual interval normalized from 45–60 days to 30–35 days. The duration of menstrual flow increased from 1–2 days to 3 days, bleeding volume improved from scanty to moderate, and associated dysmenorrhea was substantially reduced Conclusion: Chitrakadi Vati demonstrated excellent clinical efficacy in managing Alpa Artava (oligomenorrhea). By correcting Mandagni and balancing Vata and Kapha doshas, this safe, costeffective Ayurvedic oral formulation successfully restored physiological menstrual regularity and volume without any adverse events.