Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Endometriosis can often be the cause of infertility, however, both issues can also cause pain, hormonal imbalance, and interfere with menstruation.
Homeopathy can help with both issues, and often resolves the problem. Once remedies have been chosen, it can take a while before the situation has been cleared, so patience is required and regular feedback to the homeopath will ensure the correct choice of remedies.
PCOS complications
The hypothalamus and central nervous system are connected to the pituitary system, and the anterior pituitary is connected to blood levels. Equilibrium is the key in endocrine dysfunction. The hypothalamus maintains equilibrium through a feedback mechanism, if hormones are too high then this influences blood hormone levels, menstruation, ovulation, and conception.
The aetiology of PCOS remains unknown, the symptoms are that the follicles fill with fluid, which can prevent egg release or infrequent menstruation.
Different Types of PCOS
Insulin resistant PCOS
This happens when there is no sensitivity to insulin and leptin and a resistance can develop. As the body’s response is not functioning properly, it leads to increased androgens.
Inflammatory PCOS
If the PCOS does not fit either of the categories above, but there is evidence of irregular periods and elevated androgens, then this form of PCOS can be caused by environmental toxins and inflammation. Inflammation comes from smoking and consuming inflammatory foods i.e., wheat, sugar and dairy as well as processed foods, which can cause problems with intestinal bacteria. Pollution and stress have also been linked.
PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, affecting one in ten women, and is characterised by the coexistence of hyperandrogenism and ovulatory dysfunction. Current pharmacological and surgical treatments for reproductive symptoms are effective, however, are associated with negative side effects such as cardiovascular complications and multiple pregnancies when trying to conceive. Therefore, homeopathy is definitely worth trying first, as it is a natural treatment without side effects.
In addition to homeopathy, dietary advice is important, particularly for those with insulin resistant PCOS.
Diet and Lifestyle for Insulin Resistance PCOS and Endometriosis
Signs you may have sugar issues:
- Wanting something sweet after a meal
- Anxiety issues
- Sleep issues
- Afternoon crash at 3pm craving sugar or caffeine
Tips to help cut sugar from the diet:
- Get enough sleep, at least 7 hours per night.
- Eat some protein first thing in the morning
- Eat meals that always contain protein and fat
- Add probiotic foods to the diet
- Eat protein rich foods as snacks (nuts and seeds)
- Eat something every 2-3 hours to keep blood sugar balanced
Supplements and foods high in the following
- Magnesium and glutamine because they help reduce sugar cravings
- Zinc – anti-inflammatory and a great detoxifier
- Probiotics – rich in beneficial bacteria
- NAC an antioxidant that occurs naturally in the body
- Vitamin D
- Omega 3’s
- Chromium to balance
- Alpha lipoic acid
Remove the following foods
Certain foods stimulate your immune system to make inflammatory cytokines. Making dietary changes can reduce inflammation:
- Sugar and alcohol
- Wheat and dairy
- Trans fats and processed oils
Homeopathy and sugar cravings
For those with intense sugar cravings, there are homeopathic remedies which we can prescribe to help.
Potential aetiologies for PCOS
- An issue with the pancreas
- The hypothalamus – affected by psychological factors
- Feeling inferior as a woman
- Liver health
- High cortisol levels
- Lack of or excessive exercise
- Excessive tea/coffee/chocolate/cola/sugar/fast foods
- Nutrient deficiencies, commonly zinc, B6, B12, iron, EFA’s and magnesium
Homeopathy options
Depending on individual symptoms, I have listed some remedies below which can assist:
Nux Vomica; Sepia and Chelidonium for high cortisol levels
Bryonia supports endocrine and blood pressure dysregulation.
Cardus Mar for PSOC and haemorrhoids
Bromium for weak thyroid
Folliculinum for relieving pain in the ovaries (burning pain felt both sides), as well as helping with ovulation
Pulsatilla helps those with irregular menses pattern, an early cycle, late, absent or irregular. Can assist ovarian hypo function.
Lycopodium; Palladium; Apis – for right sided cysts, and Thuja and Lachesis for left sided.
Remedies for those that have been on the contraceptive pill for years can be Carcinosinum; Folliculinum; Pulsatilla; Sepia and Thuja.
Calcarea Carbonica for those with an irregular or short cycle (14-21 days), flow heavy and profuse (7 – 10-day flow).
Sepia for irregular menses, cycle late and flow shorter and lighter, 2-3- or 1-day flow.
Apis – for those that suffer from sharp ovarian pains in the right ovary.
Lycopodium for right sided pain which may switch to the left, often patients will suffer from alternating constipation, gas or diarrhea.
Lachesis for sharp left sided ovarian pain.
Thuja for left sided ovarian pains.
There are many other remedies, depending on menstrual cycle, as well as the homeopathic sarcodes Progesterone and Testosterone.
Endometriosis definition
Endometriosis is a disorder which occurs when tissues that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, it can stick to the fallopian tubes, ovaries, intestines, or pelvic cavity. The tissue thickens during the menstrual cycle, breaks down and bleeds, and if stuck to the ovary it can form an endometriosis cyst as there is nowhere for the blood to run through. When this tissue sticks to the pelvic organs and makes fibrous bands it can cause scar tissue and adhesions, which then causes more endometrial tissue to latch onto it. This can be very painful.
The hypothesis behind endometriosis causes can be due to retrograde menstruation, blood flows up the fallopian tube into the pelvic cavity.
How can homeopathy help?
Endometriosis can interfere with the normal function of the ovaries, and can cause painful urination and passing stool, as well as very heavy menstruation. Often pain killers are prescribed and the Oral Contraceptive Pill is often recommended. This will thin the endometrium and can reduce pain; additionally, surgery can be successful, but this can mean having a hysterectomy. Obviously for those that wish to conceive, the OCP is not an option, therefore, homeopathy can help. Alleviating or curing this condition can take some time, but depending on age and severity, homeopathy is a very successful treatment.
Homeopathy remedies for Endometriosis
Belladonna. This remedy can assist those that have a flow of bright red blood and clots, the pain is intense.
Sabina. Bright red blood with dark clots, heavy bleeding.
Natrum Muriaticum. For those with thyroid issues
As with PCOS, lifestyle and diet are important, as well as managing stress and sleep patterns. Hormonal imbalance can impact on insulin resistance, therefore, the dietary advice for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome will also assist those with Endometriosis.
In order to choose the correct remedy it is important to book an appointment with an experienced homeopath, rather than home prescribing, as this is a complex issue.
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