ASSOCIATION OF PRAKRITI WITH HEALTH PARAMETERS IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN: AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE AND CONTEMPORARY UNDERSTANDING

Abstract

Prakriti represents the unique constitutional makeup of an individual in Ayurveda, shaped by the relative strength of the three doshas—Vata, Pitta and Kapha. This framework offers a useful lens for examining why women experience menopause and its aftermath in markedly different ways. Rajonivritti, the Ayurvedic term for menopause, is regarded as a natural phase of life that occurs in the ageing body under rising Vata influence. Classical texts indicate that the age of onset, intensity of symptoms and long-term health risks are strongly coloured by a woman’s inherent Prakriti. Recent observational work supports this view. Women with Vata or Vata-Pitta predominance often reach menopause earlier, report more severe sleep disturbance, anxiety, joint pain and fatigue, and appear more prone to bone loss. Pitta-dominant women tend to suffer stronger vasomotor symptoms, whereas Kapha types usually experience a later transition, milder complaints and greater physiological steadiness, although they may gain weight more readily. Drawing on Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya together with modern clinical findings, this review argues that systematic Prakriti assessment can aid risk stratification and guide personalised diet, lifestyle and Rasayana measures for postmenopausal women. Larger, standardised, longitudinal studies that incorporate biomarkers are still needed to place these associations on a firmer scientific footing.