PCOS is an imbalance of hormonal production that affects a large number of women of childbearing age. PCOS patients are more prone to diabetes and hypertension. In PCOS insulin resistance and increased levels of male hormones can lead to higher levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins which increase the risk of heart disease. Although research is still unclear about the specific causes of PCOS, they believe that the body’s hormone imbalance, particularly insulin and testosterone, might be the reason.
What is PCOS?
PCOS, also known as polycystic ovarian syndrome or Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a complicated illness in which women have irregular periods and/or develop a few tiny cysts (fluid-filled sacs) on one or both ovaries. This results from females producing too much male hormone, which is also present in females but in smaller amounts.
How will you know if you have PCOS?
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms which indicate PCOS are:
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Ovarian cysts
- Infertility
- Acne or too much oily skin
- Hair growth on the chest, face, or on other parts of the body
- Thinning hair
- Weight gain
- Dark or thickened skin on the neck, arms, breasts, and thighs
- Anxiety and depression
How is PCOS diagnosed?
Your doctor will check your medical history as well as your current symptoms. You’ll also get a physical examination. Additionally, you might undergo tests like:
- Ultrasound: In this exam, blood arteries, tissues, and organs are visualized using sound waves and a computer. This examination examines the size of the ovaries and checks for cysts. The test can also measure the thickness of the uterine lining (endometrium).
- Blood testing: These monitor androgen and other hormone levels. The levels of your blood glucose may also be checked by your doctor. Additionally, your cholesterol and triglyceride levels may be tested.
What is the main reason for PCOS?
- Increased androgen levels: These levels stop the ovaries from producing eggs (ovulation), which results in irregular menstrual cycles.
- Insulin resistance: The ovaries produce and release male hormones as a result of high insulin levels (androgens).
- Low-grade inflammation: People with PCOS are prone to chronic low-grade inflammation.
- Weight gain: It’s unclear whether PCOS is the cause or result of weight gain when it comes to the relationship between the two. However, there is undoubtedly a link between the two, and maintaining a healthy weight has demonstrated profoundly advantageous outcomes.
- Family history: Women who have sisters or moms who have PCOS or type-2 diabetes are more likely to have PCOS.
Can PCOD be treated with Ayurveda?
Ayurvedic treatment of PCOS might help in balancing hormones. And also help to manage the symptoms of PCOS:
- Guduchi (heart-leaved moonseed): Guduchi is a tridoshic immune-boosting herb that operates on the circulatory and digestive systems. It functions as a blood purifier and is helpful in the management of pitta disorders. This plant is also effective to treat PCOS naturally, diarrhoea, constipation, and skin conditions.
- Amalaki (Indian gooseberry): It treats internal bleeding, severe inflammation, and digestive system problems. Amalaki is a purifying herb that also kills worms. It disinfects the vagina and guards against worm-infected diseases. Additionally, this herb increases lifespan and general quality of life.
- Haridra (turmeric): Haridra is effective for respiratory, circulatory, urinary, and digestive conditions. It possesses antiparasitic and antibacterial effects. It functions as a blood purifier and is beneficial for sprains, all inflammatory symptoms, anaemia, amenorrhea (lack of menstruation), skin problems, blood tissue development, and acne.
- Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng): It is an immune booster and is used to treat conditions like general weariness, immune system, and fertility issues, as well as skin conditions. Additionally, ashwagandha helps women’s hormones rebuild and stabilizes the fetus.
- Karela (bitter gourd): This herb aids in the treatment of kidney stones, diabetes, tumors, fever, diarrhoea, and anemia. Karela helps people lose weight by cleansing their liver, blood, and bile. It improves the sensitivity of body tissues to insulin, making it an effective treatment for PCOS and its symptoms.
- Shatavari (asparagus): This plant nourishes the ovum and cleanses the blood while also supplying female hormones. It controls artava dhatu and strengthens and stabilizes the menstrual system. As a result, it is helpful in the management of PCOS.
- Maricha (black pepper): Maricha functions as an expectorant and an antiparasitic. It is helpful in treating skin conditions, chronic indigestion, gastric disorders, and toxins in the colon. Additionally, it works well for treating PCOS symptoms including obesity.
Is there any medicine for PCOS in homeopathy?
Allopathic treatments are generally intended to treat the condition permanently, not on managing the symptoms of PCOS. Homeopathy for PCOS, on the other hand, focuses on a woman’s overall health. It assists women in maintaining ovarian health and regulating their ovulation cycle.
The normal PCOS treatment in homeopathy takes three to six months. Treatment duration depends on a woman’s specific symptoms and the severity of the PCOS condition.
Below there are some homeopathic medications that are used for the treatment of PCOS:
- Sepia: This medicine is beneficial in dealing with irregular or late menstruation. Sepia regulates the menstrual cycle and can contribute to the treatment of infertility.
- Pulsatilla: Pulsatilla can aid in the re-establishment of a menstrual cycle and the regular circulation of periods.
- Calcarea Carb: It is ideal for women who have longer than average periods. It also helps women to counter excessive bleeding during their periods.
- Natrum Mur: It is a highly suggested PCOS homeopathy medicine for women. It can help women who are having trouble conceiving due to PCOS by regulating their cycles.
- Thuja: Women who have a delayed menstrual flow or numerous cysts on their ovaries benefit from this medicine.
- Kali Carb: It helps women who haven’t had a period for several months. It aids in the maintenance of a normal menstrual cycle.
- Senecio: It helps women with PCOS who have heaviness or pain in their pelvic region even when they don’t have periods.
- Euphrasia: This medicine can help women with PCOS who have a shorter menstrual cycle than normal. It helps to treat uneven periods that only last for one or two days.
- Oleum Jecoris Aselli: This natural remedy is recommended for women who have abnormal body hair in strange areas.
- Silicea: According to research, silica and sulfur are efficient homeopathic therapies for clearing severe and pus-filled acne.
What is the best diet for PCOS?
Fortunately, the PCOS diet can assist you in naturally controlling your weight and insulin levels. Certified dieticians can assist you in determining the optimal diet for PCOS weight reduction that not only allows you to maintain a healthy weight but also meets your nutritional needs and encourages good insulin levels, making you feel better. Take a look at some of the most successful PCOS diets available.
- Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Anti-inflammatory foods like berries, leafy green vegetables, and fatty fish can help you feel less tired by reducing inflammation in your body.
- The DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension): The DASH diet emphasizes low-fat dairy products, fish, vegetables, fruits, poultry, and whole-grain foods.
- Low-GI (Glycaemic Index) Diet: In your PCOS diet plan, add nuts, whole grains, fruits, seeds, legumes, low-GI starchy vegetables, and other unprocessed low-carbohydrate foods.
- Regular exercise: It aids in the improvement of mood and the regulation of sleep cycles. Maintaining a healthy weight is an important component of regulating your PCOS symptoms.
- Supplements: According to a study, omega-3 fish oil, vitamin D, and vitamin B complex are some dietary supplements that can help treat PCOS Naturally.
Conclusion: Treat PCOS Naturally
Since PCOS is a complicated disorder, more study is required to determine its precise mechanism and root cause. Since there is now no known treatment for it, controlling symptoms is essential for keeping the condition from getting worse.