POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME/ DISEASE & HOMEOPATHY

— PCOS is a disease of the endocrine or hormonal system, affecting an ever increasing number of females, from 11 to 45 yrs age group.

— Presently PCOS is a major cause of Infertility and has become a modern pandemic.

— PCOD and PCOS are two different entities, the former refers to Ovaries being enlarged with trapped ovum (female egg), and the later is the full-fledged syndrome affecting the whole body, almost all systems.

— PCOS is associated with / is a risk factor for-Diabetes, Infertility, Endometrial Cancer, Breast Cancer, High Cholesterol Level, Heart Disease, Stroke, Psychological Disorders like Depression, Increased risk of Diabetes & Miscarriage during Pregnancy, etc.

How’s? Why’s?

— The exact cause of PCOS is not known. It’s just a disturbance of the HPO Axis- the Hypothalamus- Pituitary- Ovarian Axis.

— HPO Axis maintains the hormone balance of the female body.

— In PCOS, the levels of female hormones are reduced, while those of male hormones are increased.

— This leads to REDUCED or NO EGG FORMTION, thus swelling & cysts (large no. of immature eggs) in the ovary.

— These are also insulin resistance, leading to Diabetes like state and obesity.

— Increased male hormones lead to VIRILISM.

— Multiple Follicles seen in the ovary, termed as POLYCYSTIC OVARY. Which makes the ovary bigger then usual size, easily seen in an ultrasound.

— Recently its seen that use of emergence contraceptives is linked with PCOD. High doses of artificial hormones in the ” pills” tend to disrupt natural hormones secretion for several months , leading to anovulatory cycles & pcod.

Signs & Symptoms

— Most common symptoms are changes in menstrual cycles. There may be AMENORRHOEA or absence of menses, seen mostly in young girls.

— OLIGOMENORRHOEA or Delayed menses, the cycles may vary from 40 days to 3 or 4 months.

— Occasionally there may be HYPERMNEORRHOEA or frequent menses. For example, in 20-21 days.

— Menstrual flow may be heavy, particularly if they come after several months gap. Sometimes there is a randomness in cycles in terms of appearance & flow.

— Cycle may or may not appear, but there is no or very less OVULATION i.e. EGG FORMATION in the ovaries.

— Fatty liver is strongly associated with PCOD & even other metabolic disorder like Diabetes. Most chronic cases have Grade  1 or Grade 2 fatty liver , found in ultra sonogram. As PCOD improves, liver is also seen be improve in terms of size  , appearance as seen in scans.

Signs & Symptoms

— OBESITY particularly CENTRAL OBESITY ( belly fat )  is associated with PCOD.

— Fatty changes in liver, sometimes in pancreas and even ovaries are noticed. This can be seen in an ultrasound. Overall viseral fat deposits is increased, especially in pcos.

— Insulin resistance is seen, causing High Blood Sugar.

— HIRSUTISM or male like hair growth is seen. Coarse hair may appear on face, breasts, abdomen etc.

— ACNE may appear fresh or may aggravate.

— Thickening & darkening ( blackening ) of skin around  neck, armpits, groins or chest may be seen, known as ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS.

— Depression, low self esteem is common.

— Infertility due to ANOVULATION i.e. no egg formation in the ovaries.

— Hair fall & thinning, male pattern hair loss.

DIAGNOSIS & INVESTIGATIONS

— To confirm the diagnosis a detailed history, esp. family history is must. Many times PCOD is inherited, and may be seen in first degree relatives.

— Clinical examination, showing swelling in the ovaries as in ultrasound ( sonography ) , decrease in FSH, LH increase in testosterone levels, excess hair growth on body ( hirsutism) etc.

Lab tests & Investigations include-

— Hormone assays- FSH, LH, Prolactin, Estradiol, Testosterone.

— Blood sugar & Insulin levels

— Lipid Profile

— Thyroid Function Tests

— Ultrasound (sonography) of the pelvis.

TREATMENT

— Treatment of PCOS is directed towards managing the symptoms. Since the cause is not known, there is no definitive treatment in conventional / modern medicine.  Symptomatic homeopathic treatment is extremely successful in PCOD/ PCOS.

— However weight loss of about 10 % of body weight may bring about ovulation, regular cycles and regulates hormonal levels, as fatty tissue and visceral fat interferes with the formation of female sex hormones.

— Conventional medical treatment involves use of Oral Contraceptive to regulate cycles and reduce the unwanted hair growth and hypoglycemic agents to control blood sugar. Hormonal preparations to induce ovulation, especially the patient are trying to conceive. But spoon feeding the body with artificial hormones may not be safe in the long run.

— Dietary changes to manage obesity and optimize nutrition and are advised. A low carb diet is suggested for weight management & keeping sugar levels in check.

— Exercise to promote weight loss, regulate hormonal activity & reduce depression, anxiety etc. Particularly strength training & weight training is suggested for long term results.

— Counseling is advised to help deal with symptoms particularly low self esteem, mood swings, depression, anxiety etc.

— Like any other illness PCOS causes lots of mental stress, low self esteem, which may aggravate the symptoms further, so stress management by way of medical help, self help, social support is very important part of the management.

— Alternative therapy like Homeopathy provides safer solutions to PCOS & related Infertility.

HOMEOPATHY FOR PCOD-

These are some of the commonly used remedies with their indications, prescribed for PCO and PCOD.

Since a homeopathic ( especially constitutional ) remedy is prescribed on the basis of a totality of symptoms that includes the temperament , behaviour and attitudes of patient besides the physical symptoms/complaints, the symptoms mentioned here are mostly related to the mental state. It is obvious that the patient has the usual symptoms of PCO, which I haven’t unnecessarily described again.

APIS MELLIFICA

Suits an anxious, awkward, passionate female, who is prone to emotional outbursts. Anxious temperaments make her a busy bee. Tenderness & severe pain in the lower abdomen is also noticed along with a tendency to retain water in general, causing puffy swellings. Useful larger cysts, simple cyst, hemorrhagic cyst.

CALCAREA CARB

Full of fears- a calcarea lady has numerous fears, ranging from rats to financial ruins. She may be an anxious, hypochondriac with a fear of cancer or infectious illness. Earthy, hardworking, contentious individuals, who are usually constipated, very delicate, sensitive to cold & wet weather. Often hypothyroism is associated in calc patients.

AURUM MUR NAT  & AURUM MET :

Useful in cases of PCOS & infertility.

LACHESIS

Shows an array of mental and emotional symptoms. Passionate, talkative, energetic, temperamental, delusional, dominating, aggressive, anxiety and a number of fears. Prone to having difficulty in sleeping, breathing, with palpitations.

LYCOPODIUM

Nervous, timid & lacking in confidence. However sometimes they may show a false ego or be boastful.

Lean, flatulent, usually looks older then age, many times there is lack of development of breasts.

NATRUM MURIATICUM

Reserved, closed, proper and well behaved females. Fear of being hurt in relationships or a history of being hurt is always there with brooding about the same. Often suffer from migraines, constipations & allergies. Prone to depression. This remedy is very useful in infertility, depression associated , thyroid disorders.

PULSATILLA

Emotional, attention seeking, jealous female. Many times fears men& marriage. Tendency to gastric upsets easily, espcially after eating fat containing food. Very useful in amenorrhoea of long duration.

SILICEA

Mild and sensitive natured female who is nervous yet quiet obstinate at times. Refined & with intellectual inclinications. Concentious nature leading to anxiety.

THUJA

Low self esteem & lack of identity. Prone to having delusions & odd opinions about self. Suspicious and mistrustful. Tendency to warts, growth, “sycotic” affections.

SULPHUR, PULSATILLA & KALI CARB:

Helpful in ammenorrhoa of long standing or long duration.

SOME OTHER HANDY REMDIES ARE-

Aristolocia, Phosphorus, Sabina, Trillum, Ficus Regliosa

However each remedy is selected on basis of individual symptoms , keeping in mind the mental state, temprament, family history, lifestyle and other factors associated with the patient.

HOMEOPATHY combined with dietary & lifestyle modifications renders excellent outcomes in cases of PCOD.

Hope readers find this useful!