Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) in Women

May 26, 2025

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) in Women: Uncovering the Hormonal Link Through Ayurveda

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a painful, chronic skin condition — but in women, it’s often more than skin deep. The disease frequently has a strong hormonal component, linked to menstrual cycles, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), insulin resistance, and stress-related endocrine shifts. While conventional treatment tends to suppress symptoms, Ayurveda seeks to uncover and treat the root causes of this debilitating condition — especially in female physiology.

🌸 Why Is HS More Prevalent and Severe in Women?

HS tends to affect women in their reproductive years, with symptoms often worsening:

Before menstruation
During pregnancy
After starting or stopping hormonal contraception

This pattern reveals that hormonal fluctuations, especially involving androgens, insulin, and cortisol, play a crucial role in HS pathogenesis.

🔬 The Hormonal Connection in HS

1. Androgen Excess

Increased androgens (male hormones) stimulate sebaceous glands and hair follicles, especially in sweat gland-rich areas like armpits, groin, and under the breasts.
This leads to follicular occlusion, infection, and chronic abscesses.
Many women with HS also have hirsutism, acne, and irregular periods, suggesting a deeper endocrine imbalance.

2. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

HS often co-occurs with PCOS, where:
- Insulin resistance increases androgen levels.
- Weight gain and inflammation worsen HS flares.
PCOS aggravates Kapha and Meda Dhatu, key contributors in Ayurvedic HS pathology.

3. Menstrual Cycle Triggers

Many women report flare-ups just before menstruation, when progesterone levels drop and inflammation rises.
This hormonal shift aggravates Pitta and Rakta Dushti, leading to painful nodules and abscesses.

4. Hormonal Contraceptives

Hormonal birth control can either help or worsen HS:
- Estrogen-dominant pills may reduce flares.
- Progesterone-dominant types may worsen symptoms.

🌿 Ayurvedic Interpretation: HS as a Hormone-Driven Dosha Imbalance

Ayurveda views hormonal disturbances in women as imbalances in Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissue) and Majja Dhatu (neuro-hormonal tissue). In HS, these dhatus are vitiated by:

Ama (toxins) from impaired Agni (digestive/metabolic fire)
Kapha-Pitta Dushti leading to blocked srotas (channels)
Rakta Dushti (blood vitiation) causing recurrent inflammatory flares
Apana Vayu dysfunction, affecting menstrual health and elimination

HS in women is not just a skin condition — it reflects deeper disturbances in hormonal harmony, reproductive dhatus, and emotional wellbeing.

🔥 Symptoms Unique to HS in Women

Boils or abscesses under the breasts, inner thighs, buttocks, and groin
Pre-menstrual flare-ups
Coexisting symptoms of PCOS: acne, facial hair, scalp hair thinning, irregular cycles
Emotional distress, worsened by appearance and pain
Weight gain, especially in abdomen and thighs

🌿 Ayurvedic Healing Approach for HS in Women

1. Personalized Detoxification (Shodhana Chikitsa)

Virechana (Purgation): Balances Pitta and Rakta Dushti
Basti (Medicated Enema): Regulates Apana Vayu and hormonal rhythms
Raktamokshana (Bloodletting): In select cases to purify Rakta Dhatu

2. Hormonal Regulation

Strengthening Shukra Dhatu through Rasayana therapy
Correcting Kapha-Meda-Pitta vitiation using customized internal medicines
Restoring menstrual regularity by balancing Apana Vayu and Agni

3. Ama Digestion and Srotas Cleansing

Herbal formulations that gently digest toxins
Support lymphatic and circulatory detox, reducing nodules and abscesses

4. Mental & Emotional Support

Stress is a major endocrine disruptor. Ayurvedic support includes:
- Medhya Rasayanas (neuro-tonics)
- Dinacharya (daily routines) to balance circadian and hormonal cycles
- Pranayama and Meditation to reduce cortisol and regulate Vata

🌿 Personalized Herbal Formulations for Hormonal HS in Women

At EliteAyurveda, our approach involves tailor-made herbal blends that:

Normalize androgen and insulin levels
Purify Rakta and Meda Dhatus
Regulate Apana Vayu to improve cycle health
Prevent abscess formation and heal existing lesions without side effects

These are prescribed only after a detailed consultation, ensuring they are safe, effective, and aligned with your constitution and disease stage.

🧘 Supportive Lifestyle & Diet for Women with HS

Avoid dairy, red meat, refined sugar, and fried food
Include Pitta-Kapha pacifying foods: bitter greens, warm cooked vegetables, and detox teas
Engage in regular movement — yoga, walking, swimming
Avoid excessive screen time, late nights, and emotional suppression

🔚 Final Word

HS in women is often misunderstood and mismanaged due to its hormonal complexity. At EliteAyurveda, we don’t just treat symptoms — we help women restore internal harmony by addressing the root cause of chronic inflammation and hormonal disruption.

Ayurveda understands the unique hormonal intelligence of the female body, and offers a path to true healing — without antibiotics, immunosuppressants, or steroids.

📞 Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?

Consult with Dr. Adil Moulanchikkal and our Ayurvedic experts to receive a personalized care plan tailored to your body type and hormonal profile.

🔹 Visit: www.eliteayurveda.com
🔹 Call: +91 88847 22246