PCOD - Have Homeopathy For It!

Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), also known as polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder, which occurs in women of reproductive age between 18 and 44 years. Patients with PCOD are seen to have multiple cysts in the ovary. These cysts cause excessive production of hormones called androgens by the ovaries and the adrenal glands. Androgens are male hormones. They are present in small quantities in healthy females. Due to androgen overproduction, the ovarian follicles fail to mature and can cause a disturbance in menstrual periods.

Causes/Predisposing Factors

• Unknown (in many cases)
• Heredity
• Obesity
• Presence of diabetes mellitus or insulin resistance

Symptoms

1. Few, irregular, or absent menstrual periods
2. Hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness) due to elevated androgens (testosterone)
3. Acne associated with oily skin
4. Obesity
5. Mood swings, bloating
6. Lack of ovulation causing infertility

Role of Homeopathy in PCOD
Compared with other alternative medical therapies, homeopathy has shown better efficacy in the management of PCOD. Homeopathic treatment of PCOD involves analysis of the chief complaints, evaluation of the root cause, and provision of homeopathic medicines, which help the therapeutic process. Homeopathy believes that chronic diseases, such as PCOD, are not precipitated by an external cause. In fact, such diseases manifest when the immunity or internal vitality of the body is deranged, thereby making it difficult for the body to heal itself. Homeopathy tries to restore the vitality of the body by the provision of a stimulus in the form of a small dose. Once the vitality regains its original balance, the body can nurse itself back to health without any external aid. However, along with the homeopathic medicine, patients also need to maintain their diet, do regular exercise, and sleep well.

The homeopathic approach toward the management of PCOD is holistic and individualistic, which takes into account the patient’s physical symptoms along with the mental and genetic makeup. Rapid progression of the disease can be halted with homeopathy, thereby evoking a feeling of general wellbeing. The homeopathic constitutional treatment is seen to reduce the hyperactivity of the glands, regulate the hormonal imbalance, and dissolve the cysts in the ovaries. Thus, homeopathy helps in the regularization of the menstrual cycle, which eliminates the need for hormone therapies and surgery, thereby increasing the chances of conception. Homeopathic medicines are safe and have no known side effects. Homeopathy does not target the cysts caused by PCOD, but the actual cause which is responsible for triggering the hormonal imbalance. Thus, homeopathy is an individualistic and holistic branch of medicine with good results in cases of PCOD. Natrum Mur, Pulsatilla, and Sepia are few of the known effective medications for PCOD in homeopathy.