PCOD and PCOS

It has become a very common problem, especially in India, the issue of PCOD and PCOS is increasing in females. A female’s internal reproductive organs are the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Women are blessed with 2 ovaries, so if anything goes wrong with one of them or if they’re damaged, the other can act as a substitute and the hormone secretions remain normal.

If the problem arises inside the uterus, we can cure it. If there are some fibroids, a bulky uterus or endometrium thickness, the issue can be easily resolved.

The fallopian tube that connects the ovaries to the uterus is the one that passes the hormones secreted to the uterus.

If that tube is completely blocked, then it’s very difficult to recover and conceive in a natural way. The main reason for hysterectomy is not menopause but rather problems arising regarding the ovaries.

In Aisa especially, the most common age for menopause is between 45 to 50 years. Ovaries still work regardless of menopause.

The major difference between PCOD and PCOS is that PCOD is completely reversible and PCOS is not reversible. PCOS can only be managed in this case.

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease):

It is a metabolic disorder. If there is hormonal imbalance in the body due to any of the glands, it leads to PCOD.
This predominantly occurs in women at a higher ratio. Because only women can conceive.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome):

It is completely an endocrine disorder. The follicles are immature, ill structured and the ovum may be problematic here.

This usually occurs comparatively lower in women.

Women are facing issues regarding their menstrual cycles like irregularity of period cycle, menstrual cramps, pain, bloating, anemia, etc. And these problems are increasing day by day.

Women have 3 major hormones when it comes to their reproductive system. That is estrogen, progesterone and androgens. These hormones don’t exist in men except androgens. When it comes to PCOS the main hormone affected or affecting this issue is androgen. You need to consume hormonal pills to make the cycle regular. There is no natural way to do this.

The major difference between the two are:

PCOS:

Estrogen, progesterone and androgens are the major hormones affecting PCOS.
Increase in androgens secretion causes irregularities in the menstrual (periods) cycle.
Due to an increase in male hormones, hair growth increases in women in various areas of the body like (cheeks, under arms, upper lips, eyebrows, chin).
Due to multiple cysts and high androgens. Endocrine problems arise like infertility.
Compared to PCOD, PCOS is a more dangerous issue.
Creates amenorrhea
Anxiety, heart palpitations, high BP, cancer are some other risks. Precautions for which are necessary.

In PCOS the number of cysts present at a time is more than 10 while in PCOD it is always less than 10 cysts. In 95% of cases, it is impossible for women suffering from PCOS to conceive naturally.

One of the best ways to bring a change in your health is to bring a change in your lifestyle.

As the world is becoming fast paced, everything is available at your fingertips. We can order food online, shop, work, read, enjoy entertainment shows and so much more.

People are facing issues of obesity, unhealthy diet and an unhealthy lifestyle because of the same. We forget to slow down and focus on our body. The food you eat is your medicine. Eating habits have changed, we prefer junk, instant and tasty foodstuffs over nutritious or fresh foods.

All these are major causes behind issues arising in the body including PCOD and PCOS. At least 30 mins of exercise a day helps bring a balance in your body. Having long naps right after a meal should be avoided.

Disturbed sleep schedule although common, should be managed. It seriously affects your efficiency and health. Have a proper sleep time and pattern. Out of 6, 5 issues are related to stuff we can change and manage.

There are certain tests that help diagnose PCOD and PCOS. (It is advisable to get these tests done before marriage because after marriage there is increased stress and other issues).

A) USG abdomen and Pelvic:
B) Blood Test:

CBC or ESR
TSIP
HbA1c
Blood Sugar fasting / Average Sugar/ Insulin test
FSH
Prolactin
Testosterone hormone test

According to the naturopathy point of view, the best treatments that you can suggest to your patient are (Therapy and Management):

JOGGING:

Preferably, the first step and the best alternative you can take is jogging for 30 mins and if possible, every day.

If jogging is not possible due to being overweight, obesity or some other issue, for example when starting, initially, you can suggest the patients to walk (normal walking) for 45 minutes instead. This will stimulate the whole body and result in sweating which leads to detoxification in the body. The circulation system receives a boost too. Oxygen reaches the blood at a higher rate.

You shouldn’t jog during the period of your menstrual cycle. If the body allows, you may go for a walk. But resting is a must.

Different breathing and yoga exercises like:

Pranayama
Kapal Bhati (completely avoid when pregnant)
Anuloma villoma
Various Yog asanas
Brahmari pranayama
Bhas Trika
Shitali-shitkari
Shirsh asana
Halasana
Padmasana (backward and forward bending)
Clap yoga

are highly effective in improving the functioning of our body.

All breathing exercises are super beneficial in all aspects for your health. You breathe consciously and deeply, that helps oxygen reach into every cell in your body. They require you to chant mantras with your eyes and mouth closed

(brahmari pranayama) which creates vibration and helps maintain focus, concentration and brings balance in the body. You can repeat it 15 to 20 times. Don’t immediately open your eyes and let yourself immerse in the sound. These exercises will help boost your sympathetic activeness as well.

Consistency is essential here. Yog asanas bring flexibility, better blood circulation and improved metabolism into the body.

FOOD AND DIET:

The food you consume should be regional and seasonal. Particularly, when we talk about infertility issues like PCOD and PCOS, make sure you eat freshly cooked food. Within 2-3 hours of cooking the food, you should consume it.

After 3 hours all cooked food becomes dead food. Although it may seem that it doesn’t make much of a difference, within 20 to 21 days (about 3 weeks), one can see positive changes in all features of the body.

Naturally available food, easy to digest foodstuffs or predigested foods (uncooked and unchanged composition of the food) like fruits, vegetables and dry fruits, etc. Are highly recommended.
Sprouts are full of protein and should be consumed occasionally.
Keep in mind that all these differ from person to person.
Whatever food we consume daily is 60% cooked food (meals) and 40% raw food (salads half hour before meals, fruits, etc.)
All red fruits and green leafy vegetables are rich in iron, fiber, potassium, calcium, plenty of amino acids and micronutrients too.
The people who suffer from anemia or low hemoglobin, red fruits like pomegranate etc. Can help.
Lactose intolerance is seen in multiple cases of PCOD and PCOS, hence milk and dairy products should be avoided. To a certain extent it is alright, you can use coconut, almond or nut milk types, etc. (completely avoid soya milk) And consume a small amount of curd if you want.
White food made from Maida should be avoided. Rather, Consume whole grains and whole grain food items.
Rock salt and pink salt is a healthier substitute than the normal white salt.
nstead of sugar you can use honey or jaggery.
Easy to eat or easy to cook and frozen food is not good for your overall health.

Naturopathy includes treatments like detoxification with the help of fasting, proper diet and enema as well.

Buttermilk and herbal enema made from wheatgrass juice, ghiloy juice and aloe vera juice, etc. are beneficial when it comes to PCOD and PCOS.
Tub baths and hot and cold (normal tap water) baths for around 40 days (about 1 and a half months) for at least 20 minutes is advised. This is for the abdominal area.
Sunbathing for 15 – 20 minutes early in the morning between 6-8am is a powerful practice (have a glass of water before that). If suffering from migraine or headache, cover your head with a wet piece of cloth.
Wear light clothes with white or bright colored cotton clothes.
Mud therapy for the treatment of any type of disease works wonders! This should be done on an empty stomach.

There are certain tips you can follow that can be done at home:

Have jaggery (1tablespoon), beetroot (50gms) and carrot (1 small) juice (100ml) daily. A juicer is required.
Aloe vera, wheatgrass, and turmeric juice (100ml) is very effective according to naturopathy and you should have it on an empty stomach.
For breakfast you can have bottle gourd (200gms), amla (2 medium) and mint (20 leaves) juice.
Bail leaves, peepal tree leaves and Dalbergia (5 leaves of each) juice is highly beneficial for women having PCOD or PCOS.

These are some alternatives that you can suggest to your patients. Following these practices only for a few months will show drastic positive results. A little effort and time invested in the right direction with the right knowledge is essential and will give way to a balanced lifestyle and good health.