In this series on PCOS, in the first article we read and learned about symptoms of PCOS. In this article, we will learn about causes of PCOS and in the next article, we will delve into Homoeopathic cure of PCOS and other associated aspects.
Just as a quick recap, PCOS is a problem faced by young girls and women which mainly manifests in the form of irregular monthly menses / periods cycle, non-occurrence of monthly cycle without medicines, excessive bleeding during periods or bleeding lasting for several days. These irregularities lead to other complications such as acne/ pimples on face, back etc., hair growth on upper lips, jaws, face, neck, chest, stomach etc., weight gain, inability to reduce weight despite a lot of efforts, severe hair loss, depression, lack of enthusiasm/zeal in daily life, problems in conceiving leading to infertility, diabetes and other heart related diseases.
PCOS is caused by imbalance of hormones in the body. The monthly menses cycle is caused by female sex hormones. Women’s body is generating various hormones in certain proportions throughout the month which enables regular menses cycle. Due to various factors, when the secretion of various hormones increases or decreases causing ‘hormonal imbalance’, the periods are disturbed and then the consequences follow. A menses cycle of 4–5 days occurring after every 21–40 days is considered normal. Now what are the causes for the hormonal imbalance? These are (illustrative list):
1. Genetic / Family history of PCOS — if any of your family members such as mother, sister, paternal or maternal grandmother, paternal aunt had PCOS, you have high probability of getting it.
2. Family history of diabetes — if there is a family history of diabetes whether males or females, you have higher chances of getting PCOS.
3. Stress / disturbed emotional state — excessive work load or challenging surroundings/environment, emotional problems in various relationships etc. cause stresses to human beings and in women it adversely impacts secretion of female sex hormones in the body.
4. Food habits — excessive consumption of fast foods/ junk food with preservatives and colours. Lack of vegetables, fruits in diet.
5. Sedentary lifestyle — lack of physical activity/ exercise
6. Erratic sleep and food schedule — bad lifestyle, long hours of work, inadequate sleep (less than 6.5/7 hours), shift duty, (e.g. BPO type industry), night duty, partying till late hours etc.
7. Addictions — consumption tobacco, Gutka (paan-masala), smoking, hookah, alcohol, drugs. Consumption of these substances is on the rise in recent times in office going women as well as housewives.
8. Food adulteration — adulteration in food products, milk etc.
In the next article, we will learn about possible solutions using homoeopathy, change of lifestyle, food and exercise.