Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - Overview

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that commonly results from cysts in the ovaries. This leads to the ovaries failing to release eggs regularly giving rise to irregular periods.

While the exact cause of PCOS is not known, obesity, lack of physical activity and a family history might increase its risk multifold. If left untreated, PCOS can cause other chronic ailments like type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, and also lead to higher incidence of miscarriages, preterm deliveries and stillbirths.

CAUSES:

The primary reason for PCOS is hormonal imbalance. In women with PCOS, the ovaries make more androgens (male hormones) than normal. High levels of these hormones affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation.

PCOS is also associated with insulin, a hormone that allows your body to use sugar (glucose) from carbohydrates in your food. It uses this glucose for energy or stores it for future use. Many women with PCOS have too much insulin in their bodies, because they have problems using it. Excessive insulin appears to increase the production of androgen, which interferes with the development of follicles and prevents normal ovulation. 

PCOS - Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of PCOS include:

·        infertility

·        cysts on the ovaries (immature eggs)

·        absent, infrequent, and/or irregular menstrual cycle

·        weight gain or obesity, usually with extra weight around the waist

·        pelvic pain

·        hirsutism: increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes

·        acne, oily skin, or dandruff

·        hair loss

·        skin tags - underarms; groin and nape of the neck

·        dark brown or black skin patches on the neck, arms, breasts or thighs

·        excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area

·        anxiety or depression

·        sleep apnea - when a person stops breathing for short periods of time while asleep

Complications

Women suffering from PCOS have higher chances of infertility, miscarriage, gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure (preeclampsia) and premature delivery. Babies born to women with PCOS have an increased risk of being admitted in a neonatal intensive care unit or dying before, during, or shortly after birth. Women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing multiple serious disorders, including life-threatening diseases.

Some of the medical conditions that PCOS may lead to are:

  • type 2 diabetes - a lifelong condition that causes the blood sugar level to become extremely high
  • depression and mood swings - because the symptoms of PCOS can affect your confidence and self-esteem
  • high blood pressure and high cholesterol - which can lead to heart diseases and stroke
  • sleep apnoea - overweight women may also develop sleep apnoea, a condition that causes interrupted breathing during sleep
  • women with absent or very irregular periods (fewer than three or four periods a year) due to PCOS for many years have a higher-than-average risk of developing cancer of the womb lining (endometrial cancer).

Homeopathy Treatment For PCOS

Homeopathic remedies work on correcting hormonal imbalance, regularising ovulation as well as restoring menstrual normalcy. Homeopathy also helps treat associated symptoms of PCOS effectively.

For their homeopathic treatment, no two women would be suggested to take the same medication. This is because every woman with PCOS has a specific set of problems, which need an individualistic approach. Stress management, weight control, corrective lifestyle habits along with the medicines can be of considerable help. While the hormonal imbalances can be kept in check, homeopathy can also help to treat infertility in women who are planning for a pregnancy.