Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal, metabolic and reproductive disorder seen in women. The condition affects all women of reproductive age and is characterised by the production of multiple fluid-filled sacs called cysts in one or both the ovaries, irregular periods and increased male hormones. As per a cross-sectional study conducted in a city in India, PCOS has a prevalence of 22.5% in adolescent and young girls in the country.
Hormonal imbalance and a hampered metabolism are observed in women with PCOS, which affects their overall health and appearance. Common symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods or complete absence of periods; excessive facial hair and hair on parts of the body where women generally do not have hair growth; oily skin; acne on the face, upper back and chest; skin darkening, especially along the neck creases, under the breasts, and in the groin; hair thinning; small flaps of excess skin in the neck or armpits called skin tags; and weight gain with difficulty in losing weight.
Although the exact cause of PCOS is unclear, numerous factors, including genetics, may be involved. Increased levels of hormones called androgens (e.g. testosterone) in women with PCOS may interfere with the release of eggs from the ovaries during the menses and cause growth of excess hair and acne. Increased levels of insulin in the blood due to insulin resistance also increases the risk of diabetes mellitus in women with PCOS and affects the breakdown of food into energy, causing weight gain.
Diagnosis involves the physician taking your medical history and conducting a physical examination, blood tests for detection of hormonal levels, and an ultrasound scan of the pelvis. Although PCOS is a common cause of infertility and is treatable, there is no cure for it. Your doctor can help you manage PCOS by creating a treatment plan depending on your risk for health issues such as diabetes, your plans for having a child, and your symptoms.
Numerous published research documents indicate the significance of homeopathy in the management of PCOS and its associated symptoms. Homeopathic remedies such as pulsatilla, lycopodium and Calcarea carbonica, among others, can help manage the condition and prevent complications such as infertility.