Dr Avantika, BAMS, is an Ayurvedic physician and Hormonal Health Consultant at Laiqa, specializing in women’s hormonal balance, PCOD management, menstrual disorders, and holistic skincare through root-cause Ayurvedic principles. She previously worked as an Ayurvedic Consultant and gained valuable hands-on experience in patient management and integrative care.
In an interaction with THIP Media, Dr Avantika shared why health literacy is important in patient care and how better information leads to better long-term outcomes. Excerpts…
When a patient explains to you about their health problems, what are the most common mistakes they make in their communication?
One of the most common mistakes people make while communicating with a doctor isn’t intentional—it usually comes from not realizing what details actually matter. Many patients tend to focus only on the main concern, such as irregular periods or acne, but overlook important factors like stress, sleep patterns, digestion, weight changes, or emotional triggers.
Another common habit is trying to self-diagnose before fully explaining the symptoms, which can unintentionally shape the conversation in a biased way. Patients also often miss sharing the timeline clearly—when the issue started, what worsened or improved it, and what treatments or remedies they have already tried.
In hormonal health and Ayurvedic practice especially, these smaller details play a crucial role. Information about appetite, bowel habits, daily routine, and stress levels often helps identify the root cause more effectively than reports alone.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
Health literacy plays a crucial role in patient care because treatment doesn’t end with just prescribing medicines. As a doctor, I believe in clearly explaining why a medicine is being given, how it works in the body, and what outcomes we are aiming for. When patients understand the purpose behind their treatment, they are more likely to follow it consistently and responsibly.
I also place strong emphasis on lifestyle modifications—sleep, stress management, diet, and physical activity—especially in hormonal and chronic conditions. While medicines support the healing process, long-term improvement often depends on daily habits. When patients understand this connection, they become active participants in their recovery rather than just passive recipients of prescriptions.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
When a patient understands the basics of their health condition, the treatment process becomes much smoother and more effective. Knowing what is happening in the body and why certain symptoms occur helps reduce anxiety and builds trust, making patients more cooperative throughout their treatment journey.
An informed patient tends to ask more relevant questions, follow instructions more accurately, and appreciate the importance of consistency—especially in hormonal or chronic conditions where results take time. This naturally improves adherence to both medications and necessary lifestyle changes.
While “Dr Google” can sometimes lead to confusion or misinformation, guided education from a qualified practitioner is one of the most powerful tools in managing chronic conditions. It helps shift the mindset from a temporary “regimen” to a sustainable “routine.”
When patients are educated the right way, they don’t just follow treatment—they take ownership of their health, which ultimately leads to better long-term outcomes.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Medical misinformation can significantly disrupt the treatment process. It can create unnecessary fear, delay accurate diagnosis, reduce trust in professional advice, and even lead patients to stop or modify treatment without proper guidance.
This becomes especially critical in chronic and hormonal conditions, where consistency is key. When patients follow unverified online advice, it often interrupts the treatment plan and negatively impacts outcomes. Misinformation doesn’t just cause confusion—it can slow recovery, worsen symptoms, and strain the doctor–patient relationship.
In practice, I often see patients trying random home remedies or herbs they find online for concerns like PCOD or acne, without understanding their individual prakriti or root cause. This can disturb digestion, aggravate symptoms, or delay appropriate treatment.
Ayurveda is a highly individualized system of medicine. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach—what works for one person may not work for another. That’s why guided consultation and personalized treatment are essential for safe and effective healing.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
One of the most common myths I see is the belief that every hormonal issue is automatically “PCOD”. Many women tend to self-diagnose based on social media content without proper evaluation, which can delay accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Another widespread misconception is that irregular periods can only be managed with hormonal pills—or, on the other extreme, that all medicines are harmful and should be avoided altogether. Both views are oversimplified and can be misleading.
In cases of acne and skin concerns, patients often assume that external products alone will solve the problem, without recognizing the impact of digestion, stress, sleep, and overall hormonal balance. Similarly, there are mixed misconceptions about Ayurvedic treatment—some expect instant results, while others believe it is always very slow. In reality, both assumptions are inaccurate.
I also frequently come across fear-based beliefs, such as “once you start hormonal medicines, you can never stop,” or “natural treatments are completely free of side effects.” The truth is, every system of medicine requires proper guidance and individualization.
Misinformation often creates either unrealistic expectations or unnecessary fear. That’s why patient education and clear communication are essential parts of my practice.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
The most common advice I give my patients is simple: not everything trending online is medically correct. Social media often rewards views, not accuracy. That’s why it’s important to check the source of any health information and rely on qualified professionals with recognised medical degrees and real clinical experience—not just large followings.
If something you come across online creates fear or confusion, it’s always best to discuss it with your doctor before making any changes to your treatment. Online information can be a helpful starting point for awareness, but your health decisions should always be personalised and guided by a licensed practitioner.
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