Homoeopathy and Yoga in the Treatment of Menstrual Disorders in Females With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic, endocrine and reproductive disorder affecting approximately 5-10% of the female population in developed countries. The developing countries like China and India, undergoing rapid nutritional transitions due to westernised diets and lifestyle also indicate similar prevalence (9.13%). Its prevalence among infertile women is 15%-20%. The aetiology of Polycystic ovarian syndrome remains unclear; however, several studies have suggested that Polycystic ovarian syndrome is X-linked dominant condition.Women with Polycystic ovarian syndrome have abnormalities in the metabolism of androgens and oestrogen and in the control of androgen production. High serum concentrations of androgenic hormones, such as testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), may be encountered in these patients. However, individual variation is considerable, and a particular patient might have normal androgen levels.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is also associated with peripheral insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, and obesity amplifies the degree of both abnormalities. Insulin resistance in Polycystic ovarian syndrome can be secondary to a post binding defect in insulin receptor signalling pathways, and elevated insulin levels may have gonadotropin-augmenting effects on ovarian function. In addition, insulin resistance in Polycystic ovarian syndrome has been associated with adiponectin, a hormone secreted by adipocytes that regulates lipid metabolism and glucose levels. Both lean and obese women with Polycystic ovarian syndrome have lower adiponectin levels than women without Polycystic ovarian syndrome .

An anovulation and elevated androgen level suggests that under the increased stimulatory effect of luteinizing hormone (LH) secreted by the anterior pituitary, stimulation of the ovarian theca cells is increased. In turn, these cells increase the production of androgens (eg, testosterone, androstenedione). Because of a decreased level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) relative to LH, the ovarian granulosa cells cannot aromatize the androgens to estrogens, which lead to decreased estrogen levels and consequent anovulation. Growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 may also augment the effect on ovarian functioning.

The clinical manifestation of Polycystic ovarian syndrome varies from a mild menstrual disorder to severe disturbance of reproductive and metabolic functions. Women with Polycystic ovarian syndrome are predisposed to type 2 diabetes or develop cardiovascular disease . Factors implicated in the low fertility in these patients include anovulation, increased risk of early miscarriage, and late obstetric complications.

The diagnostic criteria of the syndrome were revised by the Rotterdam European Society for Human Reproduction/American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), where the following criteria were established: oligo/amenorrhea, clinical and biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism, and sonographically confirmed Polycystic ovarian syndrome. . Diagnostic criteria for Rotterdam diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome

Two of the following three criteria are required:

- Oligo/Anovulation

- Hyperandrogenism

- Clinical (hirsutism or less commonly male pattern alopecia) or

- Biochemical (raised FAI or free testosterone)

- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound Other aetiologies must be excluded such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen secreting tumours, Cushing syndrome, thyroid dysfunction and hyperprolactinaemia Sonographic features of Polycystic ovarian syndrome include the presence of 12 or more follicles in each ovary measuring 2-9 mm in diameter and/or increased ovarian volume (>10 mL). This is regardless of follicle distribution or ovarian stromal echogenicity. One ovary fulfilling this definition is sufficient to define Polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Hirsutism is often classified in terms of the distribution and degree of hair growth, such as through pictorial scales. The most widely recognized scoring method is the Ferriman-Gallwey scale.

The Ferriman-Gallwey scale for hirsutism. A score of 1 to 4 is given for nine areas of the body. A total score less than 8 is considered normal, a score of 8 to 15 indicates mild hirsutism, and a score greater than 15 indicates moderate or severe hirsutism. A score of 0 indicates absence of terminal hair.

In a Cochrane Database Systematic Review article, Treatment options for polycystic ovary syndrome, It's mentioned about Alternative medicine and Polycystic ovarian syndrome. Alternative medicine has been emerging as one of the commonly practiced medicines for different health problems. Alternative medicines include many modalities, such as kinesiology, herbalism, homeopathy, reflexology, acupressure, acupuncture, and massage therapy.

Homoeopathy can be defined as a system of drug therapeutics based on the law of similars.Polycystic ovarian syndrome has a specific set of problems which need an individualistic approach.The concept of individualization takes into consideration the total response of the individual to unfavourable environment. This total response is seen through signs and symptoms on three planes: emotional, intellectual and physical where the life force manifests itself.The teachings of Dr Samuel Hahnemann(founder of homoeopathy)-that the human being is a unit -mind, body and spirit and that these are so correlated as to act freely and without any impediment when the vital principle, the spirit like force or dynamis is in equilibrium; yet if this equilibrium of health be thrown out of balance by the dysfunction of one member the whole is affected to a greater or less degree.Homoeopathy is the dominant option to treat Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Homoeopathic approach towards management of Polycystic ovarian syndrome is constitutional taking into account the patient's physical symptoms along with their mental and genetic makeup that individualizes the person. Early intervention with Homoeopathy can assist in preventing further progress and hence deterioration caused by Polycystic ovarian syndrome .

Homoeopathic constitutional treatment will help balance hyperactivity of the glands, regulate hormonal balance, dissolve the cysts in the ovaries and force them to resume normal functioning. Homoeopathic medicines will not upset the balance of endocrine secretions ,for the similimum(indicated remedy) will fill the demands of the system in all its parts without stimulating too much those organs which have maintained a relatively secure balance, in other words our remedies affect directly the vital energy which in itself establishes equilibrium. All the homoeopathic polycrest remedies (deep acting with a wide sphere of action) will yield richly to our search for effective remedies in endocrine disorders.Hence, Homoeopathic medicines can restore hormonal balance, normal ovulation, menstrual cycles, and also eliminate the need for hormone therapies and surgery. This can significantly increase the chances of conception. The different expressions of this disease can be managed effectively, safely and gently with Homoeopathic remedies.

Homoeopathy works towards nature. All homeopathy medicines are proved in human beings. It is very refined. It comforts modern living. The medicines have no negative side-effects. They are safe, effective and easy to attain cure. By taking homoeopathy medicines, ovulation and regular menses can be attained in a natural way.

Yogic life style, a form of holistic mind-body medicine, is known to reduce stress and sympathetic tone. Recent randomized controlled trial found holistic yoga program for 12 weeks to be significantly better than physical exercise in reducing Anti-Mullerian Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone and Testosterone, Modified Ferriman and Gallway (mFG) score for hirsutism and improving menstrual frequencies in Polycystic ovarian syndrome patients. Yoga not only addresses the problems of Polycystic ovarian syndrome but is likely to prevent the long term complications such as Cardio-vascular diseases, diabetes.

Following yogic practices are found to be useful in Polycystic ovarian syndrome :

1. Physical postures (Asanas - 1 min each):

1. Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutation) for 10 min [5 rounds];

2. Prone asanas:

- Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana),

- Locust Pose (Salabhasana),

- Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

3. Standing asanas:

- Triangle Pose (Trikonasana),

- Twisted Angle Pose (Parsva -konasana),

- Spread Leg Intense Stretch (Prasarita padottanasana),

4. Supine asanas -

- Inverted Pose (Viparita Karni),

- Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana),

- Plough Pose (Halasana);

5. Sitting asanas

- Sitting forward Stretch (Paschimottanasana),

- Fixed angle Pose (Baddha- konasana),

- Garland Pose (Malasana)

2. Breathing Techniques (Pranayama - 2 min each):

- Sectional Breathing (Vibhagiya- Pranayama),

- Forceful Exhalation (Kapalabhati),

- Right Nostril Breathing (Suryanuloma Viloma) 2 min,

- Alternate nostril breathing (Nadishuddhi)

3. Guided relaxation (Savasana) for 10 min

4. OM Meditation (OM Dhyana) for 10 min

5. Group Lecture: Lectures, in the form of cognitive restructuring based on the spiritual philosophy underlying yogic concepts, spiritual coping strategies.

Homoeopathic medicines and yoga therapy being holistic approaches might effectively treat the complexity of the symptomatology in Polycystic ovarian syndrome.