Head of the Deaprtment, Dept.of.Practice of Medicine, Sivaraj Homoeopathic Medical College & Research Institute Salem,Tamilnadu, (Former HOD & PG Guide , Vinayaka Mission’s Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Salem) Email-ssrajan1977@gmail.com
Thursday, 2 August 2012
POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME
– HOMOEOPATHY IS AT RESCUE
Dr. S. Sabarirajan., M.D. (Hom)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common female endocrine disorders. PCOS is a complex, heterogeneous disorder of uncertain etiology, but there is strong evidence that it can to a large degree be classified as a genetic disease. PCOS produces symptoms in approximately 5% to 10% of women of reproductive age (12–45 years old). It is thought to be one of the leading causes of female subfertility and the most frequent endocrine problem in women of reproductive age.
PREVALENCE AND INCIDENCE
Polycystic ovary syndrome (or PCOS) is common, affecting as many as 1 out of 15 women and is diagnosed in women in their 20s or 30s. Treatment can help control the symptoms and prevent long-term problems. The symptoms often begin when a girl's periods start. Women with this disorder often have a mother or sister who has symptoms similar to those of polycystic ovary syndrome
CAUSES
PCOS is a complex, heterogeneous disorder of uncertain aetiology. There is strong evidence that it is a genetic disease. The symptoms of PCOS are caused by changes in hormone levels. There may be one or more causes for the hormone level changes. PCOS seems to run in families, so chance of having it is higher if other women in a family have PCOS, irregular periods, or diabetes. PCOS can be passed down from either mother's or father's side. The clinical severity of PCOS symptoms appears to be largely determined by factors such as obesity.
WHAT ARE HORMONES, AND WHAT HAPPENS IN PCOS?
Hormones are chemical messengers that trigger many different processes, including growth and energy production. Often, the job of one hormone is to signal the release of another hormone.
For reasons that are not well understood, in PCOS the hormones get out of balance. One hormone change triggers another, which changes another. For example:
• The sex hormones get out of balance. Normally, the ovaries make a tiny amount of male sex hormones (androgens). In PCOS, they start making slightly more androgens. This may cause to stop ovulating, get acne, and grow extra facial and body hair.
• The body may have a problem using insulin, called insulin resistance. When the body doesn't use insulin well, blood sugar levels go up. Over time, this increases chance of getting diabetes.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
Symptoms tend to be mild at first. Women may have only a few symptoms or a lot of them. The most common symptoms are:
• oligoovulation and/or anovulation
• Acne.
• Weight gain and trouble losing weight.
• Extra hair on the face and body. Often women get thicker and darker facial hair and more hair on the chest, belly, and back.
• Thinning hair on the scalp.
• Irregular periods. Often women with PCOS have fewer than nine periods a year. Some women have no periods. Others have very heavy bleeding.
• Fertility problems. Many women who have PCOS have trouble getting pregnant (infertility).
• Depression.
Most women with PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries. That is why it is called polycystic ovary syndrome. The cysts are not harmful but lead to hormone imbalances.
DIAGNOSIS
Not all women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries (PCO), nor do all women with ovarian cysts have PCOS; although a pelvic ultrasound is a major diagnostic tool, it is not the only one.
Standard diagnostic assessments includes
• History-taking, specifically for menstrual pattern, obesity, hirsutism, and the absence of breast development. A clinical prediction rule found that these four questions can diagnose PCOS
• Gynecologic ultrasonography, specifically looking for small ovarian follicles. These are believed to be the result of disturbed ovarian function with failed ovulation, reflected by the infrequent or absent menstruation that is typical of the condition.
• Laparoscopic examination may reveal a thickened, smooth, pearl-white outer surface of the ovary.
• Serum (blood) levels of androgens (male hormones), including androstenedione and testosterone may be elevated. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels above 700-800mcg/dL are highly suggestive of adrenal dysfunction because DHEA-S is made exclusively by the adrenal glands. The free testosterone level is thought to be the best measure.
• Some other blood tests are suggestive but not diagnostic. The ratio of LH (Luteinizing hormone) to FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone), when measured in international units, is greater than 1:1 (sometimes more than 3:1), as tested on Day 3 of the menstrual cycle.
Common assessments for associated conditions or risks are
• Fasting biochemical screen and lipid profile
• 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (GTT) in patients with risk factors (obesity, family history, history of gestational diabetes) may indicate impaired glucose tolerance (insulin resistance) in 15–33% of women with PCOS. Insulin resistance can be observed in both normal weight and overweight patients, 50–80% of PCOS patients may have insulin resistance at some level.
• Fasting insulin level or GTT with insulin levels (also called IGTT). Elevated insulin levels have been helpful to predict response to medication
• Glucose tolerance testing (GTT) instead of fasting glucose can increase diagnosis of increased glucose tolerance and frank diabetes among patients with PCOS according to a prospective controlled trial.
• Pregnancy test (serum HCG)
• Prolactin level
• Thyroid function tests
TREATMENT
General
• Patients should be reassured and taught not to be panic
• Regular exercise, healthy foods, and weight control are key treatments for PCOS. Medicines to balance hormones may also be used. Getting treatment can reduce unpleasant symptoms and help prevent long-term health problems.
The first step in managing PCOS is to get regular exercise and eat heart-healthy foods. This can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. It can also help to lose weight if need to.
• Try to fit in moderate activity and/or vigorous activity on a regular basis. Walking is a great exercise that most people can do.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet. In general, this diet has lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, and whole grains. It also limits foods that are high in saturated fat, such as meats, cheeses, and fried foods. If have blood sugar problems, try to eat about the same amount of carbohydrate at each meal. A registered dietitian can help to make a meal plan.
• Most women who have PCOS can benefit from losing weight. Even losing 4.5 kg may help get hormones in balance and regulate menstrual cycle. PCOS can make it hard to lose weight, so work with family doctor to make a plan that can help to succeed.
• If have habit of smoking, consider quitting. Women who smoke have higher androgen levels that may contribute to PCOS symptoms.1Smoking also increases the risk for heart disease.
HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT
• Management of PCOD primarily involves prescribing a constitutional Homeopathic remedy capable of working on the ovaries and the entire endocrinal system. This approach usually helps in correcting the pathology associated with PCOD.
• There are numerous remedies capable of influencing this condition. The remedy prescribed is chosen after carefully understanding your entire constitution, which includes:
o Presence of any genetic predisposition
o Physical makeup (obesity)
o Peculiarities of menstrual cycle
o entire physical and personality characteristics
• Homeopathy for PCOS or PCOD should be continued for a significant duration of time as the appearance and normalization of the menstrual cycle as well as decrease or absence of cyst formation are the only means by which improvement can be monitored
Some Homoeopathic remedies for PCOD
• Lachesis- Pain in ovaries, especially left sided relieved by discharges from uterus,Labour like pain in uterus,Os feels open
• Sepia - Irritability is marked in the patient. Cannot tolerate the sight of children. Periods are early and profuse. Backache more on washing.
• Graphites - Very useful to correct the menstrual irregularities and to cure pre-menstrual related problems. Patient has induration of ovaries with aversion to opposite sex. During periods severe nausea and constipation. Good medicine for obesity also
• Caulophyllum, useful to women with a history of irregular periods, discomfort during periods and pain in the pelvic region
• Lycodium, which may relieve sweet cravings, insatiable appetites, extended periods, bloating, indigestion, constipation, insomnia and anxiety.
• Nat. Mur, which may reduce inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and vertigo, and may alleviate PMS.
• Calc-carb - Periods too early, profuse and long lasting. Least amount of excitement brings the flow. Before periods mammary tenderness, sweating on forehead and external genitalia.
• Silicea - Chilly and desirous of warmth, has milky white leucorrhea, increased flow of menses with icy coldness of body. Nipples sore and are drawn in, vaginal and ovarian cysts with hard lumps in breasts.
• Myristica - A very good antiseptic. It hastens suppuration hence can be used when the condition is highly inflammatory.
• Platina - With severe gastric irritation and increased sexual urge; patient will be always with delusion of grandeur.
• Oophorinum - Usually helpful in climateric states. Ovarian cysts in young girls.
• Medorrhinum - Should be used as a Miasmatic remedy. Has offensive flow with difficulty in washing. May or may not be associated with warts on genitalia. Left ovary more painful, breast tenderness with dysmenorrhoea.
• Apis - Thin walled multi locular ovarian cyst with tenderness in lower abdomen. Menorrhagia after a long gap of amenorrhoea. Aggravation by heat and touch and > cold.
• Ova tosta - Ovarian cyst especially of left side, bearing down sensation, Backache and pain in left hip, Cannot tolerate tight bands on waist.
References
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycystic_ovary_syndrome
2. Notes On Gynaecology by R K Sachdeva
3. Gynaecology By Ten Teachers by Ash Monga
4. http://women.webmd.com/tc/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-topic-overview
5. Homeopathic Materia Medica by Boericke
6. http://www.homoeotimes.com/aug07/html/pcod_nahida.htm
7. Lilienthal S., Homoeopathic Therapeutics
8. Dewey W. A., Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics
9. http://www.homeopathyworldcommunity.com/profiles/blogs/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-and
10. http://www.homeoconsult.com/pcos.php
11. Principles of Prescribing, Dr. K.N.Mathur.
Dr. S. SABARIRAJAN., M.D. (Hom) (Prac. of Med)
Professor, Dept. of Practice of Medicine
Vinayaka Mission’s Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital,
Salem, Tamilnadu.
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
APPROACH TO ANOREXIA NERVOSA – A TEENAGE DISORDER
APPROACH TO ANOREXIA NERVOSA – A TEENAGE DISORDER
Dr. S. Sabarirajan., M.D. (Hom)
A large number of teens and adults these days undertake anxiety about their appearance and opt for choices that steer them towards unhealthy eating disorders, affecting both physical and emotional wellbeing. Being heavy in earlier years and the influence of media, friends, even family at times can be accountable in promoting Anorexia as opposed to a healthy and balanced diet. Anorexia Nervosa requires immediate medical and psychological help, as it can become a life threatening condition.
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by excessive food restriction and fear, irrational fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body self-perception. It typically involves excessive weight loss. Anorexia nervosa usually develops during adolescence and early adulthood. Due to the fear of gaining weight, people with this disorder restrict the amount of food they consume. This restriction of food intake causes metabolic and hormonal disorders. Outside of medical literature, the terms anorexia nervosa and anorexia are often used interchangeably; however, anorexia is simply a medical term for lack of appetite. However, people with anorexia nervosa do not lose their appetites. Anorexia nervosa has many complicated implications and may be thought of as a lifelong illness that may never be truly cured, but only managed over time. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by low body weight, inappropriate eating habits and obsession with having a thin figure. Individuals suffering from it may also practice repeated weighing, measuring, and mirror gazing, alongside other obsessive actions, to make sure they are still thin, a common practice known as "body checking"
Causes of Anorexia Nervosa:
· Unknown.
· People with diverse cultural upbringing can develop Anorexia Nervosa if they hesitate adapting a new culture.
· Being under continuous pressure of having an ideal figure, due to a Mom or sister with a perfect body.
· Low self-esteem.
· Traumatic events like rape, death of a loved one, etc.
· Stress.
· Hormonal changes.
· Substance abuse.
Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa:
Anorexia sufferer’s typically exhibit a range of physical and behavioural symptoms, with physical sign that can include:
· A substantial drop in body weight
· Distended stomach
· Fatigue
· An erratic heart beat
· Low blood pressure
· Osteoporosis or poor bone density
· Thinning hair; and
· Dry skin
· Hypokalaemia, a drop in the level of potassium in the blood, is a symptom of Anorexia nervosa. A significant drop in potassium can cause abnormal heart rhythms, constipation, fatigue, muscle damage and paralysis.
Psychological and behavioural symptoms are also common, and can include any of the following:
· Obsessive exercising
· Depression
· Distorted self image
· A fixation with food
· A refusal to acknowledge they have a problem; and
· Rejection of food and eating
· 50-75% of individuals with an eating disorder experience depression. In addition, 1 in 4 individuals who are diagnosed with anorexia nervosa also exhibit obsessive compulsive disorder
Self-care measures:
· Identify the influences in your life that upholds your eating disorder.
· Communicate with a family member or a close friend about your eating issues or over exercising.
· Parents – do not make your child feel guilty about their eating problem.
· Assist your child formulate a healthy relationship with food.
· Commend your child for what they do and not what they look like.
· Reinforce behaviors that promote healthy eating, healthy weight, body image and self-esteem.
· Develop a resilient sense of identity based on your inner qualities rather than on appearance.
· Appreciate the genetic diversity of body shapes and sizes.
· Create a physically active lifestyle and take pleasure in eating well for health, energy and hunger satisfaction.
Homeopathic approach to Anorexia Nervosa:
Homoeopathy is a remarkable resource for those dealing with eating disorders. Homeopathic constitutional treatment based on the individual case is the most suitable and would aim to heal the underlying physical or emotional crisis causing eating disorders. The unique physical, emotional and mental expression of illness is characteristic and is used to channel the course of Homoeopathic treatment. The remedies work by stimulating body’s natural ability to heal itself, acting as a catalyst for healing. Homoeopathy can be of assistance in retrieving normal weight and treating any psychological issues related to Anorexia Nervosa. It will also prevent relapse of Anorexia Nervosa. Homeopathic remedies can help rebuild mind, body and spirit as well as personal relationships for a balanced lifestyle. Homeopathy will reinforce and tone the body’s systems. Homeopathic remedies can help deal with anxiety, depression, and stress along with stimulating appetite. It will attend to nutritional problems and help the patient develop a healthier body image.
Anorexia Rubrics
• anorexia, nervosa - arg-n., ARS., calc., carc., caust., CHIN., hyos., ign., kali-p., lach., levo., merc., nat-m., perh., ph-ac., phos., puls., rhus-t., sac-alb., sep., staph., SULPH., syc., tarent., tetox., thuj., vanad., verat.
• refuses, to eat - ars., bell., caust., cocc., croc., grat., HYOS., ign., KALI-CHL., kali-p., lach., op., PH-AC., phyt., plat., puls., sep., TARENT., VERAT., VIOL-O.
• obsessive, compulsive disorder - anac., arg-n., ARS., aur., calc., CARC., HYOS.,ign., iod., MED., merc., nat-m., nat-s., NUX-V., plat., psor., PULS., sil., staph., stram., sulph., syph., thuj., verat.
· Arsenicum alb. - Extreme fastidiousness especially about germs and dirt. Anorexia coupled with fear of being poisoned. Fear of getting certain diseases so they starve.
· Carcinosin - Obsessive compulsive disorder. Perfectionism, fear of becoming fat, fear of rejection. Etiology: abuse, grief or fears, often related to weight. Chronic insomnia, workaholics.
· Hyosyamus - Anorexia plus mania, insanity, fear of being poisoned. Could have pathological jealousy, over concern about weight and getting fat.
· Ignatia - Perfectionism, fear of becoming fat, fear of rejection. Hysteria - loss of control of emotions, fainting. Etiology: grief or big disappointment, often related to weight.
· Natrum mur. - Most often indicated remedy in anorexia, a lot of guilt. Fear of being rejected, hurt easily, very self conscious. Dry lips, emaciate, dry skin, constipated, loose appetite. Behind this is perfectionism and fear of becoming fat. Nat mur have more confidence.
· Phosphoric acid - Etiology: grief with loss of appetite with emaciation, pining away from loss of love, second stage they get indifferent to all emotions and food. Deadness inside (Sepia, Aurum met). Grief - anorexia than some chronic disease.
· Platina met. - Obsessed with their appearance, fear of becoming fat. Very obsessive and impulsive personality, egocentric and arrogant, all tied up with their sexuality, religious mania.
· Pulsatilla - Feeling of worthlessness, unloved, loneliness, fixed ideas about. Food especially certain foods are bad, than amount of foods that are bad grows, fear of gaining weight, pulsatilla's gain weight easily, they can eat a pastry and swear they gained weight. Ignatia, Puls. and Nat. mur. are constantly weighing themselves. Scanty menses.
· Sepia - Anorexia plus hormonal problems, nausea, sensitivity to smell. Disgust for food, worse since childbirth, hormones causes lack of appetite.
· Stapysagria - Acute of Carcinosin, more visible, visibly upset. Carcinosin can control it more, Staph. may it more. Deep sense of worthlessness and depression, even suicidal. Humiliation, mortified, put down, criticized, zero confidence.
· Tarentula - Mania could be religious mania. Underneath you have a fear of being poisoned. Obsessiveness about weight, very restless and hyper energy people, they do everything fast - talk, move.
· Thuja occid. - Fear of being impure, dirty blood, anxiety about health, obsessed with idea of have to clean themselves out.
· Veratrum alb. - Religious mania, loquacious, end of world is coming. Punish themselves, fast to appease god. Behind this you see guilt.
References
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/anorexianervosa
- Homeopathic Materia Medica by Boericke
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001510/#adam_000479.disease.symptom
- American Psychiatric Association Guidelines
- Lilienthal S., Homoeopathic Therapeutics
- Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide to Recovery by Lindsey Hall & Monika Ostroff
- http://health.hpathy.com/murphy-eating-disorders.asp
- www.homeopathic-cure.com/ANOREXIA_NERVOSA_AND_HOMEOPATHY
- Dewey W. A., Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics
- http://www.homeopathiccentre.com.au/a_anorexia_nervosa.htm
- http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/Homeopathy_for_Anorexia_Nervosa
- Principles of Prescribing, Dr. K.N.Mathur.
Dr. S. SABARIRAJAN., M.D. (Hom) (Prac. of Med)
Reader, Dept. of Practice of Medicine
Vinayaka Mission’s Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital,
Salem, Tamilnadu.
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
SUN SIGNS AND BIOCHEMIC MEDICINES
Dr George Washington Carey went beyond seeing a connection between the sun signs and the tissue salts. Dr. George W. Carey came up with his theory of a person’s astrological sign corresponding to a particular biochemic salt. The fact is that there are twelve months and twelve sun signs and there are twelve biochemic salts. These are the salts that go with each of the sun signs according to Dr. Carey. A few doses a month will help to maintain the balance in the body. Each person's astrological salt can be given together with the salt necessary for the ailment concerned. In this article we discuss about biochemic medicines prescriptions on the basic of zodiac signs.
SYMPTOM S / DIAGNOSIS
|
BIOCHEMIC INDICATED
|
Abscess (bleeding), boils
(painful)
|
SILICEA, CALC SULPH
|
Acidity, indigestion, heart
burn, peptic ulcer
|
NAT PHOS
|
Allergic bronchitis
(cough,wheezing),breathing disorders
|
KALI MUR
|
Allergic rhinitis (sneezing,
cold, headache)
|
NAT MUR,
NAT SULPH
|
Angina (Chest pain)
|
MAG PHOS
|
Anxiety, tension
|
KALI PHOS
|
Constipation
|
NAT MUR
|
Corns (feet)
|
SIL
|
Diabetes
|
NAT SULPH
|
Fever
|
FERR PHOS, KALI PHOS
|
Hair falling - thin hair
strands
|
NAT MUR
|
Hair falls due to weakness or
ailments suffering from
|
CAL PHOS
|
Hair falls in bunches
|
SIL
|
Hair growth - to stimulate
|
CALC PHOS & SIL
|
Hair loss (bald spots) due to
dandruff
|
KALI SULPH
|
Impotency
|
CAL PHOS / KALI PHOS
|
Jaundice
|
FERR PHOS, KALI MUR, NAT SULPH
|
Leucorrhoea
|
CAL PHOS / KALI MUR / NAT MUR
|
Lumbago - aches worse by cold
& better by heat & pressure
|
MAG PHOS
|
Lumbago - pain at nape &
cervical region
|
CALC PHOS
|
Lumbago - pain worse while
resting, better by heat.
|
CALC FLUOR
|
Mania (depressions, mental
problems)
|
KALI PHOS
|
Mouth ulcers
|
FERR PHOS, KALI MUR, NAT PHOS
|
Obesity (overweight)
|
CALC PHOS, NAT MUR & SIL
|
Osteoarthritis
|
MAG PHOS
|
Pain - colic, abdominal,
stomach
|
MAG PHOS
|
Paralysis
|
CALC PHOS, KALI PHOS, MAG PHOS
|
Piles (Itching, bleeding)
|
CALC FLUOR
|
Pimples , acne
|
CALC PHOS
|
Sinusitis
|
KALI MUR & SIL
|
Sleeplessness (Insomnia)
|
KALI PHOS & FERR PHOS
|
Stone in kidney
|
MAG PHOS TO ALLEVIATE PAIN
SIL & CALC PHOS TO DISSOLVE STONE |
Suicidal disposition (wants to
die)
|
KALI PHOS
|
Tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sore
throat
|
KALI MUR
|
Toothache
|
KALI PHOS
|
Typhoid (fever)
|
FERR PHOS, KALI PHOS & KALI
MUR
|
Vertigo (giddiness)
|
KALI PHOS
|
Weakness, general debility,
exhaustion
|
KALI PHOS
|
Worms (children)
|
NAT PHOS & KALI MUR
|
- http://www.homeoint.org/site/deepak/biochemic.htm
- The Biochemic Handbook, J.B. Chapman, and Edward Perry
- The Twelve Tissue Remedies of Schussler by Boericke and Dewey
- The Twelve Schuessler Tissue Remedies by The Father Muller’s Homoeopathic Poor Dispensary.
- Homoeopathy for All – Homoeopathic hand book and Planner 2006.
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