Overview
What is PCOS/PCOD?
PCOS/PCOD is a condition
that affect women, which is characterised by development enlarged
ovaries and formation of multiple tiny cysts in ovaries.Women with PCOS
produce higher amounts of male hormones. This leads to a collection of
eggs in the ovary that cannot be discharged from the body, this makes a
woman difficult to get pregnant.
“A woman with PCOD will also have symptoms that reflect imbalances in
reproductive and other hormones. Here, the ovaries make more androgens
(male hormones) than normal. High levels of these hormones affect the
development and release of eggs during ovulation.”
Menstrual cycles may be normal at first and then become irregular, or the onset of menses may be delayed.
Causes
Although a number of abnormalities have been documented in women with PCOS.
Hormonal imbalance: Hormones in our body are interrelated to each other.
Decrease in one lead to increase in other. Major hormones responsible
for PCOS are
- Raised levels of Testosterone – Androgens or “male hormones,”
- Raised levels of Luteinising Hormone (LH)
- Raised levels of Prolactin
- High levels of Insulin
Overweight: If you’re overweight, your chances of developing it are greater. As weight gain increases insulin resistance. Fatty tissues are hormonally active and they produce estrogen which disrupts
Symptoms
Irregular periods: A lack of ovulation prevents the
uterine lining from shedding every month. Some women with PCOS get
fewer than eight periods a year.
Heavy bleeding: The uterine lining builds up for a longer period of time, so the periods you do get can be heavier than normal.
Hair growth: More than 70 percent of women with this
condition grow hair on their face and body — including on their back,
belly, and chest . Excess hair growth is called hirsutism.
Acne: Male hormones can make the skin oilier than usual and cause breakouts on areas like the face, chest, and upper back.
Weight gain: Up to 80 percent of women with PCOS are overweight or obese.
Male-pattern baldness: Hair on the scalp gets thinner and fall out.
Darkening of the skin: Dark patches of skin can form in body creases like those on the neck, in the groin, and under the breasts.
Headaches: Hormone changes can trigger headaches in some women.
Mood Swings
Lifestyle factors in the management of PCOS:
- Moderate exercise (≥ 30 min/day)
- Dietary modification (Fat ≤30% daily intake)
- For weight loss, establish an energy deficit of 500 to 1000 kcal/day
- Behavior modification, reduction of stress, increased well-being
- Combination of dietary and behavioural therapy and increased physical activity
- Smoking cessation and to stop alcohol consumption
- Moderate caffeine consumption
- Group interaction/intervention to provide support
- Social support by physician, family, spouse, and peers
- Avoidance of “crash diets” and short-term weight loss
- Adaptation of weight loss programs to meet individual needs
How homeopathy helps ?
- Homeopathic medicines correct the hormonal imbalance & neutralize its negative effects
- The menstrual cycle gets regularized. Other complaints, including acne and hair growth on the face, are also taken care.
- Opens the possibility of becoming fertile in the future for women to bear pregnancy