PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among females of reproductive age worldwide, affecting between 5% and 26% of female. It’s a condition that many of my clients have presented with.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects many women of reproductive age. The hormonal symptoms of PCOS include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles: Due to imbalance of hormones, ovulation may be infrequent or absent, causing irregular or missed periods.

• Elevated androgens: Higher levels of male hormones such as testosterone can lead to symptoms like excessive facial or body hair (hirsutism), acne, and scalp hair thinning.

• Insulin resistance: Many women with PCOS have elevated insulin levels, which can worsen hormone imbalances and contribute to weight gain.

• Ovulation issues: Hormonal disruptions interfere with the release of eggs, often resulting in infertility.

• Weight gain: Hormonal changes can lead to increased fat accumulation, mainly around the abdomen.

• Skin changes: Darkened patches of skin, especially around the neck, groin, and underarms, known as acanthosis nigricans, are related to insulin resistance and hormone imbalance.

  Long term implications of PCOS?

• due to irregular ovulation, PCOS is closely linked to infertility

• Diabetes; half of the population of those that have PCOS develop type 2 diabetes by age 40

• Metabolic syndrome:

  • characterised by a combination of high blood sugar

  • increased blood pressure

  • elevated LDL cholesterol, and low HDL cholesterol

• Other potential issues include miscarriage, premature birth

• anxiety, depression

• eating disorders

  Homeopathy for PCOS

  My observations of using homeopathy with women who have had PCOS are as follows:

• alleviation of the symptoms

• reduce the risk of comorbidities and complications as discussed above

• improve quality of life

• create and improvement is psycho-social and economic wellbeing

• establish a reliable menstrual cycle to enjoy more predictability in life

• evolve a more helpful realionship with your body

  9 Homeopathic Remedies for PCOS

  • Pulsatilla is indicated where women experience delayed, scanty, or irregular menstrual cycles. It’s a remedy that is characterised by changeably of symptoms. This may be on an emotional level where we see mood swings, tearfulness, or physical where symptoms move from one part of the body to another.

  • Folliculinum is often used in homeopathy for hormonal imbalances as it helps regulate oestrogen levels, supporting follicular development and menstrual regularity.

  • Fraxinus americana, helps reduce cyst growth, post birth uterus displacement or/and prolapse and insulin resistance.

  • Thuja is commonly indicated for cystic ovarian conditions and hormonal disturbances. Thuja has an innate ability to dissolve abnormal growth or accumulation in the body. It is also helpful in treatment of extreme hair growth on unusual parts in women due to hormonal imbalance.

  • Sepia addresses hormonal imbalances and fatigue. All types of menstrual complaints white discharge- itching, yellow, green, dragging down sensation-sits cross legged, pain during sexual intercourse, prolapse of uterus and vagina.
    There may be tendency to abortions. It also helps with hot flushes during menopause.

  • Calcarea Carbonica is indicated for heavy bleeding, sluggish metabolism and weight gain.

  • Natrum Muriaticum may be indicated where we see irregular periods and emotional disturbances. This may be particularly valuable where there is a history of grief and one protects themselves from emotional pain by building a ‘wall’ around their heart.

  • Lachesis
    Lachesis is often used for symptoms involving estrogen dominance and menstrual irregularities. It may aid in alleviating symptoms such as irregular periods, mood swings, and ovarian cysts often seen in PCOS. Intense sensitivity to touch, pressure, and clothing around the neck. Lachesis is often indicated in cases where symptoms exhibit a left-to-right progression and where the patient's mental state includes heightened suspicion, jealousy and irritability.

    Note: These remedies are selected based on symptom similarity and individual case history. Consultation with a professional homeopath is essential for proper diagnosis and personalised treatment.

Impact of PCOS on work and productivity

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can significantly impact one’s work life. This can lead to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and challenges in career progression. Studies show that over half of women with PCOS report missing work due to symptoms, with a substantial number feeling held back in their careers. These impacts stem from a combination of physical and mental health challenges associated with PCOS, including fatigue, pain, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Endometriosis UK offers some suggestions how an employer can support you. If you are are self employed, why not turn this information to yourself.

Ways I can help

Homeopathy

Including:

• Carefully selecting and recommending a homeopathic remedy and flower essences to help you regulate your hormones and alleviate the symptoms, re-establish your cycle to have more predictability in energy and productivity, ensure fertility.

• Carry out a Homeopathic detox to clear the toxins (especially if there is a history of prolonged or impactful use of the Pill and other contraceptives, or HPV vaccine)

• Work and Business Coaching and bring about the fem and the masculine elements

• I will help you establish a rhythm in sync with your cycle that will allow for more predictability and sustainability in your productivity and help towards you finances.

• Managing day to day activities such as home keeping, socialisation, having fun

  Support with adopting a more nourishing lifestyle

• Nutrition
  A diet rich in whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help regulate insulin levels and reduce inflammation. Emphasise low glycaemic index foods to stabilise blood sugar and manage weight effectively. These changes may be challenging for many of my clients. Whilst we use homeopathy to ease cravings, managing unhelpful thinking and finding ways to establish helpful habits is part of my service to you.

• Movement
  Incorporating consistent exercise improves insulin sensitivity and supports hormonal balance. My clients benefit from my help in devising an approach that they will have motivation for building into into their busy schedules.

• Stress Management
  Practices such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and adequate sleep can lower cortisol levels, which in turn may help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce PCOS symptoms. As well as generic meditations, my clients get a recording of meditation or yoga nidra tailored to their needs.

• Sleep
  Quality sleep of 7-9 hours per night supports hormonal health and improves metabolic function. Where the issue may be in regards to sleep, we will make it a priority to address this. Again, we will be able to lean onto homeopathic remedies, practice of mediation and yoga nidra alongside helpful daily routine and nutrition.