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Saturday, September 26, 2015

Avoid Surgery Use Homeopathy for PCOD (POLYCYSTIC OVARY DISEASE)

Homeopathy for PCOD (POLYCYSTIC OVARY DISEASE)


POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN DISEASE
Described in 1935 by Stein and Leventhal as a syndrome manifested by amenorrhea, hirsutism and obesity associated with enlarged Polycystic ovaries.



This complex disorder is characterized by excessive androgen production by the ovaries / adrenals which interfere with growth of the ovarian follicle. Therefore PCOS is state of androgen excess and chronic an ovulation.



The incidence varies between 0.5% to 4%> More common amongst infertile women.



It is prevalence in young reproductive period.



Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which there is an imbalance of a woman's female sex hormones. This hormone imbalance may cause changes in the menstrual cycle, skin changes, small cysts in the ovaries, trouble getting pregnant and other problems.



The principle function of ovary is production of an eg each month for ovulation and the production of all the hormones necessary for normal reproduction. Many people assumed that polycystic ovarian disease is a purely ovarian disease but now we recognize that it is a fact, a systemic endocrine and metabolic of symptoms. Infertility, lack of periods, or extremely irregular periods, male body hair patterns, obesity and acne are very common symptoms. No two women are affected by PCOD in exactly the same way.



Ovary fails to expel the matured eggs in polycystic ovarian Disease and a small amount of fluid begins to acculate inside the immature follicles to form multiple cysts. the cysts then contribute to the hormonal imbalance. In order to make estrogen, the cells of the follicular cyst take androgen from the surrounding ovarian tissue and convert the androgen to estrogen. This is probably due to the genetic inheritance, high levels of insulin and thyroid pituitary dysfunction.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. The name of the condition comes from the appearance of the ovaries in most, but not all, women with the disorder — enlarged and containing numerous small cysts located along the outer edge of each ovary (polycystic appearance)
Infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne and obesity can all occur in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. In adolescents, infrequent or absent menstruation may signal the condition. In women past adolescence, difficulty becoming pregnant or unexplained weight gain may be the first sign.
The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment may reduce the risk of long-term complications, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Patients suffering from polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) have multiple small cysts in their ovaries (the word poly means many). These cysts occur when the regular changes of a normal menstrual cycle are disrupted. The ovary is enlarged; and produces excessive amounts of androgen and estrogenic hormones. This excess, along with the absence of ovulation, may cause infertility. Other names for PCOD are polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS) or the Stein-Leventhal syndrome.
The principal signs and symptoms of PCOS are related to menstrual disturbances and elevated levels of male hormones (androgens). Menstrual disturbances can include delay of normal menstruation (primary amenorrhea), the presence of fewer than normal menstrual periods (oligomenorrhea), or the absence of menstruation for more than three months (secondary amenorrhea). Menstrual cycles may not be associated with ovulation (anovulatory cycles) and may result in heavy bleeding. Symptoms related to elevated androgen levels include acne, excess hair growth on the body (hirsutism), and male-pattern hair loss.
Obesity and weight gain,elevated insulin levels and resistance, oily skin,dandruff, infertility,skin discolorations,high cholesterol levels,elevated blood pressure, and multiple, small cysts in the ovaries. Any of the above symptoms and signs may be absent in PCOS, with the exception of irregular or no menstrual periods. All women with PCOS will have irregular or no menstrual periods. Women who have PCOS do not regularly ovulate; that is, they do not release an egg every month. This is why they do not have regular periods and typically have difficulty conceiving.
If your doctor suspects PCOS, a battery of investigations will be ordered for you. The goal is to assess the severity and source of androgen excess and to rule out an adrenal or ovarian tumor. Some of the common tests are FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), LH (Luteinizing Hormone)- the ratio of 3:1 of LH:FSH is diagnostic, Serum testosterone, DHEA and DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone). A pelvic ultrasound is also usually needed. It may show 10 or more follicles, 2-10 mm in size per ovary.
I have found homeopathy to be very useful in the management of PCOS. Homeopathy is a holistic system of medicine that assists the natural tendency of the human body to heal itself.  

SYMPTOMS OF PCOD  :
Symptoms
Polycystic ovary syndrome signs and symptoms often begin soon after a woman first begins having periods (menarche). In some cases, PCOS develops later on during the reproductive years, for instance, in response to substantial weight gain.
Signs and symptoms vary from person to person, in both type and severity. To be diagnosed with the condition, doctor looks for at least two of the following:
  • Menstrual abnormality: This is the most common characteristic. Examples of menstrual abnormality include menstrual intervals longer than 35 days; fewer than eight menstrual cycles a year; failure to menstruate for four months or longer; and prolonged periods that may be scant or heavy.
  • Excess androgen:  Elevated levels of male hormones (androgens) may result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), adult acne or severe adolescent acne, and male-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia).
  • Polycystic ovaries:  Enlarged ovaries containing numerous small cysts can be detected by ultrasound. Despite the condition's name, polycystic ovaries alone do not confirm the diagnosis. To be diagnosed with PCOS, you must also have abnormal menstrual cycles or signs of androgen excess. Some women with polycystic ovaries may not have PCOS, while a few women with the condition have ovaries that appear normal

 Changes in the menstrual cycle:

  • Absent periods, usually with a history of having one or more normal menstrual periods during puberty
  • Irregular menstrual periods, which may be more or less frequent, and may range from very light to very heavy
IRREGULAR MENSES
Development of male sex characteristics (virilization):
  • Decreased breast size
  • Deepening of the voice
  • Enlargement of the clitoris
  • Increased body hair on the chest, abdomen, and face, as well as around the nipples (called hirsutism)
  • Thinning of the hair on the head, called male-pattern baldness
Other skin changes:
  • Acne that gets worse
  • Dark or thick skin markings and creases around the armpits, groin, neck, and breasts due to insulin sensitivity
Other General Changes :

Weight Gain or Inability to Lose Weight
Insulin resistance and possibly diabetes
High blood pressure
Polycystic ovaries that is 2-5 times larger than healthy ovaries.
Impaired lung function
Mood disorders, including anxiety and depression  


CAUSES OF PCOD :

Doctors don't know the cause of polycystic ovary syndrome, but these factors likely play a role:

  • Excess insulin:  Insulin is the hormone produced in the pancreas that allows cells to use sugar (glucose) — your body's primary energy supply. If you have insulin resistance, your ability to use insulin effectively is impaired, and your pancreas has to secrete more insulin to make glucose available to cells. The excess insulin might boost androgen production by your ovaries.
  • Low-grade inflammation:  Your body's white blood cells produce substances to fight infection in a response called inflammation. Eating certain foods can trigger an inflammatory response in some predisposed people. When this happens, white blood cells produce substances that can lead to insulin resistance and cholesterol accumulation in blood vessels (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis causes cardiovascular disease.
  • Heredity: If your mother or sister has PCOS, you might have a greater chance of having it, too.
  • Abnormal fetal development: Some research shows that excessive exposure to male hormones (androgens) in fetal life may permanently prevent normal genes from working the way they're supposed to — a process known as gene expression. This may promote a male pattern of abdominal fat distribution, which increases the risk of insulin resistance and low-grade inflammation.
  • Genetic predisposition.
  • Insulin resistance or hyperinsulinism (high blood levels of insulin).
  • Obesity.
  • Hyperandrogenism (excessive production of male hormones).
  • Abnormality of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (organ/hormonal disorder).
  • Environmental chemical pollution (hormonal disrupters)
  • Food adulteration (excitatory amino acids, for example)
  • Chronic inflammation
CAUSES OF PCOD

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, excess hair growth etc.
Lab tests & Investigations include-
—  Hormone assays- FSH, LH, Prolactin, Estradiol, Testosterone.
—  Blood sugar & Glucose Tolerance Test ( GTT).
—  Lipid Profile
—  Thyroid Function Tests
—  Ultrasound (sonography) of the pelvis.
 
Homoeopathic Approach :
  • Homeopathic Approach to PCOS
Homeopathy is the dominant option to treat Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Homeopathic approach towards management of PCOS is constitutional taking into account the patient’s physical symptoms along with their mental and genetic make-up that individualizes the person. Early intervention with Homeopathy can assist in preventing further progress and hence deterioration caused by PCOS. Homeopathic constitutional treatment will help balance hyperactivity of the glands, regulate hormonal balance, dissolve the cysts in the ovaries and force them to resume normal functioning. Hence, Homeopathic medicines can restore hormonal balance, normal ovulation, menstrual cycles, and also eliminate the need for hormone therapies and surgery. This can significantly increase the chances of conception. The different expressions of this disease can be managed effectively, safely and gently with Homeopathic remedies.
Medical treatment of PCOS is tailored to the patient's goals. Broadly, these may be considered under four categories:
  • Lowering of insulin levels
  • Restoration of fertility
  • Treatment of hirsutism or acne
  • Restoration of regular menstruation, and prevention of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer

PULSATILLA
Emotional, attention seeking, jealous female. Many times fears men& marriage. Tendency to gastric upsets easily, espcially after eating fat containing food. Pulsatilla is one of the top grade Homeopathic medicines for treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome. It has shown brilliant results in PCOS cure in my practice. There are clear indicators for use of Pulsatilla in this condition, which include periods that are suppressed, scanty or short and that appear too late. The character of menstrual blood is dark, black, pale, clotted or highly changeable. Pain during menses may arise. Pulsatilla rates best among Homeopathic medicines for PCOS as it effectively helps dissolve the cysts in ovaries and regularize the menstrual cycle. The Homeopathic mode of treatment places great value on constitutional symptoms in every disease to select the appropriate medicine. These constitutional symptoms are unique and specific to each person. The peculiar constitutional symptoms for use of Pulsatilla are a mild, gentle, sensitive, emotional nature in women, a tendency to weep and timidity. A lack of thirst and need for open air are other peculiarities in PCOS cases that will need prescription of Pulsatilla

Sepia- where facial hair add to the trauma of the person dealing with the syndrome, Sepia and Thuja are the natural choice of Homeopathic medicines for PCOS. I have seen PCOS patients recover wonderfully well under both. Sepia is the best Homeopathic medicine for PCOS cases where facial hair appear especially on the chin and upper lip area and in cases of irregular, feeble menses or suppressed periods. A striking feature that accompanies menstrual irregularities is an intense bearing down sensation in the pelvis. The person may feel like the pelvis is about to explode. This may be attended with dull, heavy pain in the ovaries. The unique constitutional symptoms for Sepia selection include indifference to family members, irritability, aversion to occupation, sadness

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.Apis Mellifica is the most suitable prescription among Homeopathic medicines for PCOS when the symptoms include suppressed periods and pain in the ovarian region, especially on the right side. In such cases, the right ovary is usually swollen, heavy and enlarged. Therefore, lying on the right side may provide relief from the pain in the right ovarian region which is mostly of the sharp, stinging kind. The ovarian pain gets worse during menses

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 infectitous illness. Earthy, hardworking, contentious individuals, who are usually constipated, very delicate, sensitive to cold & wet weather.Calcarea Carb and Graphites are highly recommended for treating PCOS in obese women. The guiding features for selecting Calcarea Carb as the best suited among Homeopathic medicines for PCOS are heavy, prolonged periods, a chill running down the body during menses and a headache that worsens. Valuable constitutional mind symptoms of Calcarea Carb are anxiety, apprehensions and fear. Here the most common fear is that of a contagious disease, misfortune, losing reason, accidents and mishappenings

 Conium is one of the Homeopathic medicines for PCOS which is of great help in cases where acne appears as a result of the accompanying menstrual irregularities. The acne is worse before menses appear and disappears as soon as the menstrual flow starts. The menses on the whole are suppressed, scanty or short in such cases of PCOS. The person may complain of a tearing pain in the ovaries that are enlarged, cramping and a dragging pain in the pelvis during menses in such cases where Conium is recommended as the most effective of Homeopathic medicines for PCOS. A unique sign which may decide on Conium as the best prescription among Homeopathic medicines for PCOS is swelling and pain in the breasts before periods. Conium is also one of the well indicated Homeopathic medicines for infertility resulting from PCOS
  Graphites is equally effective among Homeopathic medicines for PCOS. The most prominent symptoms demanding Graphites use are scanty, pale or suppressed periods. Congestion in the head may result from suppressed periods. Graphites is also among the most reliable Homeopathic medicines for PCOS cases with a painful swelling of the ovaries and an excruciating pain in the right ovary during menses. On the constitutional level, Graphites is used when the symptoms include timidity, indecisiveness, sadness and a melancholic mood

COLOCYNTH
Reserved and too proper in nature. Get offended easily and the reserved displeasure or anger may even lead to physical symptoms like colic or suppressed menses.
IODUM
Very restless, hurried, anxious females. Always lean, inspite of hogging day and night. Feel hungry all the time, which is also a sign of anxiety, besides an over active thyroid gland, for which this remedy is quiet resourceful.
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. polycystic ovarian syndrome with scanty, tardy menses and black menstrual blood, accompanied by pain in the ovaries, predominantly on the left side, swelling in the left ovary and violent colic during menses, Lachesis is best known among Homeopathic medicines for PCOS to provide relief
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.

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. Thuja is another of the prominently indicated Homeopathic medicines for PCOS. The underlying symptoms for Thuja use in PCOS are hair growth on the face and body and retarded periods of scanty duration. During periods, pain may be felt in the left ovary. The nature of this pain varies, ranging from distressing, cutting, shooting to the burning kind. The pain in the ovary may even extend down the leg in such cases where Thuja rates best among Homeopathic medicines for PCOS.





 Early diagnosis of PCOS makes managing the disease easier. The response to homeopathy is seen in the regularization of menstrual cycles. Regularization of cycles may mean more ovulatory cycles. These women thus have a higher chance of conceiving naturally.Women who are thin, younger, with less hirsutism and who do not have very high levels of testosterone respond better to homeopathic treatment. Hence homeopathic treatment along with modification of diet and lifestyle patterns can have benefits in terms of regularization of menstruation, fertility promotion naturally (or by assisted reproduction with better results), risk of type-2 diabetes and hyperlipidemia are ameliorated and musculoskeletal and metabolic side effects are reduced.
The concept of health, sickness and cure are set in Homoeopathic philosophy as process occurring on the dynamic plane. Health is equality of the human being; illness is disequilibrium of the vital force; cure is return to harmony with one cell and the whole world.


 Really sick patient were seen to pass through periodic or status of illness which appeared distinct to the superficial observer but in which careful examination, disclosed nexus of identify, a characteristic connecting link, thus apparently as judged by his or her bio-pathology were in fact linked by a "background" which constituted disposition, whether constitutional or merely a constant aspect of organic man which persists in the forum of its expression was called by Hahnemann " MIASM or CHRONIC DISEASE'.
Miasm is an obnoxious disease-producing agnet, dynamic in nature and inimical to life. He founded the theory of misam.

PCOD


Maisam and the symptoms are nothing but the two sides of the coin, and one cannot be considered whilst ignoring the other. In fact the totality of symptoms cannot be said to be total until and unless the selected remedy covers the miasm.