Polycystic ovary Disease (PCOD) is characterized by irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth and obesity. The exact cause of polycystic ovary disease is unknown, but the condition stems from a disturbance in the monthly reproductive cycle. The name polycystic ovary disease comes from the changes that take place in the ovaries of women suffering from the illness. There are multiple small cysts in the ovary hence the name polycystic ovary. PCOD is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. Early diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary disease can help to reduce the risk of long-term complications, which include diabetes and heart disease. The commonly seen signs and symptoms associated with PCOD are:

• Irregular or no menstruation


• Signs of excess androgen


• Enlarged ovaries with multiple cysts


• Infertility


• Obesity


• Skin tags


• Diabetes Mellitus (Type â€" 2)


• High blood pressure


• High blood cholesterol


• Elevated levels of C-reactive protein


• Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis


• Sleep apnea


• Acanthosis nigricans

Woman's reproductive cycle is regulated by fluctuating levels of hormones produced by the pituitary gland in brain, including Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and the hormones secreted by ovaries. The ovaries secrete the female hormones Estrogen and Progesterone and also produce some amount of Androgens, which are also known as male hormones. Androgens include Testosterone, Androstenedione and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).In polycystic ovary syndrome, the body produces an excess of androgens, and the ratio of LH to FSH is often abnormally high. The process of ovaries releasing eggs (ovulation) occurs less frequently than normal (oligo-ovulation), or the ovaries don't release eggs at all (anovulation). As a result of the absence of ovulation, the menstrual cycle is either irregular or absent. There is no clear understanding for the cause of polycystic ovary disease, but research suggests a link to increased amount of insulin, the hormone produced in the pancreas, which is responsible for transferring sugar in the form of glucose from blood in to the cell. In many ways increased amount of insulin is thought to enhance androgen production by the ovaries. Studies also indicate that genetic factors may play a role in PCOD. Polycystic ovary syndrome may lead to following complications:

• Dysfunctional uterine bleeding


• Type 2 diabetes


• Decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the so-called "good" cholesterol


• Increased triglycerides


• Cardiovascular disease


• Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of signs and symptoms that indicate a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease


• High blood pressure


• Cancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer)

Role of Homeopathy in PCOD:

Homeopathy helps in cases of PCOD by reducing the symptoms of irregular menstruation. Regular course of homeopathic medicines may prevent the future complications as a result of PCOD. Homeopathy plays a very important role in cases of infertility occurring as a result of irregular hormonal imbalance. Significant number of patients a have conceived after homeopathic treatment where conventional mode of treatment has not been useful. Constitutional homeopathic approach is able to bring various complications of PCOD like Diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, abnormal uterine bleeding. Homeopathy is safe and effective without any side effects.