Polycystic ovary syndrome is very common among women. At least 27% of women are affected by this syndrome. Women's hormone levels are primarily affected by polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS], and male hormones are produced more than female hormones. Women who are suffering from PCOS cannot conceive because of the irregularities in the menstrual cycle and the imbalance in their hormone levels.
A polycystic ovary syndrome affects the female reproductive system. Significant features of PCOS are:
- Irregularity in the menstrual cycle
- Skipped periods
- Increase in the androgen levels
- Cyst formation in the ovaries
The development of many fluid-filled structures occurs inside the ovaries, hence the syndrome 'polycystic', which means many cysts. The fluid-filled structures are known as follicles which contain an immature egg. Ovulation is not possible in this procedure because the eggs are not mature enough.
When the ovaries release the female eggs every month, that process is known as ovulation. Fertilization is the process in which the union of female eggs with male sperm takes place. [FSH] follicle-stimulating hormones and [LH] luteinizing hormones are the two primary hormones that control ovulation. Ovaries are the primary female reproductive organ stimulated by the FSH for the production of follicles containing eggs. LH is another hormone that, when triggered, may produce the mature egg from the ovaries.
A woman's body produces hormones such as progesterone and estrogen from the reproductive organs, regulating the menstrual cycles. The disturbances in their levels can cause polycystic ovary syndrome. The female reproductive organs also lead to the production of male hormones known as androgens in a significantly less amount.
Polycystic ovary syndrome can be highly harmful to the woman as it can lead to defects like baldness, excessive hair growth on the body and face. PCOS might cause health problems that are long-term such as various diseases related to the heart and diabetes. Drug therapy involving contraceptives and diabetes control medicines can help fix the imbalance caused by the hormones and improve the symptoms.
As ovulation does not take place, there is a decrease in the levels of follicle-stimulating hormones, luteinizing hormones, progesterone and estrogen. Ovaries also produce androgen, which is the male hormones, and their level is high. An increase in the levels of male hormones leads to irregularity in the menstrual cycle and missed periods.
According to various scientific research, the exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Still, the increase in the level of male hormones known as androgens is believed to be the leading cause behind polycystic ovary syndrome. Inflammation, resistance to insulin and genes are linked to excessive male hormone production.
- GENES
Various scientific researches show that polycystic ovary syndrome is genetically inherited. - INSULIN RESISTANCE
More than 70% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome have developed insulin resistance. Resistance to insulin means that the human body has lost the ability to use the insulin hormone effectively.
The insulin hormone is produced in the pancreas. In case the body develops insulin resistance, the demand for it increases. When the demand increases, insulin production also increases, stimulating the formation of male hormone androgen excessively. Additionally, obesity can be another reason for insulin resistance.
- INFLAMMATION
Obesity or being overweight can supplement the process of inflammation. Women who are suffering from Polycystic ovary syndrome have high levels of inflammation in their bodies.
As the actual cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is unknown, scientists and medical professionals are still unable to develop a specific diagnostic procedure for detecting this syndrome. Factors such as skipped periods, irregularities in the menstrual cycles, and weight changes are some of the PCOS determinants.
The medical professionals, in case of suspicion, may recommend the following:
- Ultrasound is a highly recommended option to detect PCOS. During an ultrasound, a transducer is placed on the vagina, and the images are taken on the computer screen. The lining of the uterus and the appearance of ovaries are thoroughly checked in the case of abnormalities.
- A pelvic exam is performed manually by the doctors for checking any outgrowths or abnormal formations, or any other abnormalities in or around the pelvic area.
- Blood tests are usually prescribed to measure the hormone levels and check for any abnormalities in the hormone levels. Additionally, professionals recommend lipid profile tests that involve the measurement of cholesterol levels and glucose tolerance test [GTT].
In case the polycystic ovary syndrome is confirmed, the medical professionals may recommend other tests for investigating complications. The tests are mentioned below:
- Monthly checkups for diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
- Screening for obstructive sleep apnoea
- Screening for anxiety and depression
The symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome appear during the teenage years. In some women, it appears when they experience difficulties conceiving. Various symptoms for PCOS are given below:
- Irregularities in the menstrual cycle: When women are suffering from PCOS, their bodies fail to ovulate every week, which leads to irregularity in their periods.
- Heavy bleeding: As the uterus' thickness increases due to irregularity in the periods, heavy bleeding is usually seen.
- Hair growth: Due to the excessive production of the male hormones, hair growth on the face and body parts such as the chest and upper back are also seen.
- Acne: Androgen production can make the skin texture oilier, which will eventually lead to the appearance of acne.
- According to studies, more than 80% of women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome are obese or overweight.
- Male pattern baldness
- Headaches
- Darkening of skin
Homoeopathy can help in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome in many ways :
- The imbalance caused by the hormones is corrected naturally through homoeopathy.
- The natural homoeopathic treatment does not produce any side effects for polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Homoeopathy can correct the default, which caused PCOS in the first place.
- Irregularities in the menstrual cycle are corrected with this treatment.
- Many symptoms are related to PCOS. Homoeopathy treatment can create an environment through its medicines that are best suited for every patient.
- Mood swings that generally arise due to imbalance in the hormones can be successfully corrected through homoeopathic therapy.
- Other complications such as obesity, acne and hair loss are also corrected.
The homoeopathic treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome is highly recommended for every woman suffering from this problem. The treatment offered is 100% natural and produces no complications or side effects on the patient.