Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - Causes, Symptoms, and Homeopathy Treatment
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a medical condition in which a woman's ovaries frequently generate immature or partially mature eggs, which eventually develop into ovarian cysts. The outcome is an increase in androgen production, causing irregular menstrual cycles, hair loss, and abnormal weight gain. Lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments can help in PCOS management and mitigate some of its effects.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), nearly 10% of women worldwide experience Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. This hormonal imbalance can cause women to skip menstrual cycles and face challenges in conceiving.
PCOS Causes
Although the exact PCOS cause in women is unknown, several key factors may contribute:
- Insulin Resistance: The body produces more androgen—a hormone typically present in small amounts in women—which can interfere with ovulation and lead to polycystic ovaries.
- Excess Androgen Production: The ovaries produce excessive amounts of androgen hormones, which can cause hirsutism and acne (hair growth on the face and body)
- Low-Grade Inflammation: According to a new study, women with PCOS have low-grade inflammation that increases androgen production and can result in problems with the heart or blood arteries.
- Hereditary: Women with PCOS have distinct genetic correlations in terms of heredity.
PCOS Symptoms
The signs of PCOS usually begin around the time of a woman's menstrual cycle. However, it can also develop later in life, especially if there’s significant weight gain.
- Facial or Body Hair Growth
- Irregular Periods
- Severe Hair Loss or Pattern Baldness
- Weight Gain
- Pelvic Pain
- Heavy Bleeding
- Severe Acne
- Skin Darkening
- Difficulty to conceive
- Fatigue
Proper PCOS treatment and diagnosis, including lifestyle adjustments and necessary medication, can help manage these symptoms effectively.
How to Prevent Yourself from PCOS
Preventing PCOS is challenging since it has genetic and hormonal causes that may not be completely avoidable. However, managing lifestyle and dietary habits can significantly reduce the risk and help manage early symptoms. Here are effective steps to prevent and manage PCOS:
1. Maintain a Balanced Diet
A healthy diet can play a critical role in balancing hormone levels and managing insulin resistance, a common issue for women with PCOS. Consider incorporating the following dietary changes:
- Incorporate Lean Protein: Include protein-rich foods like fish, poultry, and beans. Protein helps regulate blood sugar and reduces cravings, making it easier to manage weight.
- Avoid Sugary and Processed Foods: Minimise consumption of refined sugars and processed snacks, which can spike insulin levels and contribute to insulin resistance.
2. Stay Physically Active
Exercise plays a significant role in regulating hormones and reducing insulin resistance, which can help manage polycystic ovaries. Engaging in at least 30 minutes of exercise a day can:
- Improve insulin sensitivity, lowering the body’s need to produce excess insulin that contributes to androgen production.
- It assists in maintaining a healthy weight, which is crucial since weight management can help regularise menstrual cycles.
- Reduce stress levels, which positively impacts hormone balance and overall reproductive health.
3. Manage Stress
Chronic stress triggers an increase in cortisol, a hormone that can worsen hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS symptoms. By adopting stress-management techniques, you can support hormonal balance:
- Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga: Practicing relaxation exercises like yoga and meditation can decrease cortisol levels and improve mental well-being.
- Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night, as insufficient sleep can exacerbate insulin resistance and other PCOS symptoms.
- Hobbies and Social Interactions: Engaging in hobbies and spending time with friends and family can also help reduce stress levels.
4. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol consumption can aggravate hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance, both of which are linked to PCOS causes. Women who smoke are at a higher risk of experiencing severe PCOS symptoms, including irregular periods and weight gain.
Limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking can significantly improve overall health and reduce PCOS risk factors.
5. Monitor Weight and Body Mass Index (BMI)
Maintaining a healthy weight and BMI is essential in managing PCOS. Excess weight contributes to insulin resistance and can exacerbate symptoms.
Studies show that even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can positively impact symptoms like menstrual cycle irregularity, acne, hirsutism and alopecia. Regularly monitoring weight and seeking professional guidance for sustainable weight management can aid in preventing PCOS onset.
6. Regular Health Check-Ups
Routine check-ups allow early detection and management of potential signs of PCOS. It’s recommended to:
- Schedule annual screenings for blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels, as these can be early indicators of metabolic issues related to PCOS.
- Consult a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms like irregular cycles, severe acne, or hair growth on the face and body.
By adopting these preventive measures, women can reduce the likelihood of developing PCOS or manage symptoms more effectively if already diagnosed.
PCOS Diagnosis
Due to the lack of a single accurate test for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, an approach using several tests is needed. The following procedures are commonly used to diagnose PCOS:
- Review of Medical History: The data-gathering process begins with assessing the patient’s medical history, which precedes diagnosis. The doctor will ask the client about her metabolic disorder features, including weight gain or loss, menstrual cycle alterations, acne, and other personal health concerns. Since they know that PCOS may run in the family, they may also enquire about the family history.
- Physical Assessment: A full body checkup is required to identify the sensational signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Acne, skin darkening, and excessive hair growth are among the indications that the physician will check for to diagnose the disease. Many women with PCOS also have issues with weight gain or store weight around the abdominal region. Hence, they can also measure the patient’s waist circumference and body mass index (BMI).
- Pelvic Examination: Pelvic examination is therefore helpful when assessing reproduction organs such as ovaries. The physician seeks signs of cysts or ovary enlargement. In addition, this examination may reveal any cervical or uterine lesion that may need further investigation.
- Ultrasound (USG): An ultrasound provides a clear image of the uterus and ovaries. It helps doctors identify small ovarian cysts, which are common with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Further, ultrasound calculates the thickness of the endometrial lining for women with irregular menstrual cycles. This test is quite simple and essential in establishing whether there are cysts or any problems with the ovaries.
- Blood Tests: Since the hormone level, especially androgens, which are usually higher in women with PCOS, cannot be detected through other tests, blood tests are mandatory. Insulin and glucose resistance are common endocrine disorders in women with PCOS; further tests may include checking insulin and glucose levels. Blood tests measuring prolactin and thyroid hormone levels can be performed to eliminate other conditions with similar symptoms.
- Evaluation of Ovulation: The physician may also perform other blood tests to check for progesterone levels or examine the cycles of the patient’s menstrual period to determine whether the ovulation process is in order. The most obvious of these is irregularity in ovulation, a factor that is evident in women suffering from PCOS and particularly those having fertility difficulties.
Healthcare practitioners and professionals can use total diagnostic procedures to diagnose PCOS. When diagnosed, an individualised management plan that focuses on the symptoms and causes of PCOS can be developed.
PCOS Homeopathy Treatment
Homeopathy helps to cure the problem of PCOS permanently, and the best part is it has no side effects. In an observational clinical survey among Europe-based PCOS women patients, the European Network of Homeopathic Researchers found that 83 per cent of women who tried homeopathy for PCOS said that their condition improved whilst the abnormal ovulating follicles returned to normal.
Symptoms like acne, weight gain, and unwanted hair growth can be treated with homeopathy for PCOS, and fertility, menstruation can also be regulated. It is simply unbelievable that the remedies under homeopathy do much more than just ease the pains and discomforts. They might also cure ovarian cysts, thereby reducing the need for invasive surgery. In addition, the practice of homeopathy helps in improving the patients’ quality of living, lowering stress levels and everything associated with the patient’s well-being.
Why Dr Batra’s®
At Dr Batra's@, we have treated more than 15 Lakh patients over 35 years, for various health conditions including PCOS. Our homeopathy treatment for PCOS is safe, all-natural, and offers patients long-lasting relief.
Our Homeopathic doctors conduct in-depth consultations with patients to understand their condition and develop personalised PCOS homeopathy treatment plans that treat the root causes. Homeopathic medicines for PCOS are designed to improve overall wellness and enhance the quality of life for our patients.
The Dr Batra’s® Advantage:
- Expert Care: Our doctors have years of experience and provide personalised PCOS treatment plans.
- All-Natural Remedies: We use purely natural homeopathic medicines that are safe for long-term use.
- Proven Results: We have a history of successful PCOS treatments, with satisfied patients worldwide.
Consult Our Doctors
Book a consultation with Dr Batra’s® today to understand how homeopathy can help you manage PCOS symptoms effectively. Consulting with our experts can help you regain control over your health.
Case Study
Natasha’s Journey with Dr Batra’s®
19-year-old Natasha visited Dr Batra’s® Homeopathy clinic with concerns about weight gain and irregular menstruation. Weighing over 100 kg, Natasha reported getting her period only once every 3-5 months. After following a homeopathy PCOS treatment with personalised diet and lifestyle changes, Natasha successfully regularised her menstrual cycles and began losing weight. Read Natasha’s complete success story here.