• Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the most common female endocrine disorders.
• PCOS is a complex disorder of uncertain etiology. There is a strong evidence of it being a genetic disorder.
• Other names of PCOS include.

1. Functional Ovarian hyperandrogenism.
2. Ovarian hyperthecosis.
3. Sclerocystic Ovary Syndrome
4. Stein leventhal Syndrome.

• PCOS is one of the leading causes of female subfertility.
• The main Features of pcos are

1. Anovulation- No ovulation occurs, so delayed period.
2. Hyperandrogenism: Increase secretion of male harmones by the ovary, causing acne and unwanted facial hair.
3. Insulin resistance: metabolic error causing obesity and diabetes.

Predisposing factors of PCOS

• Genetic factors: family history of PCOS
• Endocrine factors: Type 1 diabetes before puberty in women, insulin resistance and obesity.
• Certain drugs like antiepileptic (e.g. Valporate)

Pathogenesis of PCOS

• Polycystic ovaries are stimulated to produce more of male hormones (androgens), particularly testosterone.
• High level of insulin in the blood, whose ovaries are senstive to reduced levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) resulting in free androgens.
• PCOS is associated with chronic inflammation of the ovary, which induce metabolic and endocrinal changes.

Clinical manifestation of PCOS

• Menstrual disorders such as oligomenorrhea or no menses, infertility, high levels of male hormones manifested by acne and hirusitism.
• Metabolic syndrome which presents itself as a tendency towards central obesity and other symptoms associated with insulin resistance.
• Thinning of hair on scalp.
• Irregular periods: Some women have no periods, others heavy bleeding.
• Fertility problems: They have trouble getting pregnant

Diagnosis of PCOS

Not all women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries, nor do all women with ovarian cysts have PCOS.

• Pelvic ultrasound is a major diagnostic tool.
• Investigations like blood sugar estimator, thyroid hormone tests. Serum androgens, L.H, FSH, prolactin to be done.

Pathophysiology of PCOD

• Normally ovaries make female sex hormones and a tiny amount of male sex hormones (androgens). In PCOS there is an imbalance of sex hormones, they start making slightly more androgens. This causes patients to stop, ovulating, get pimples and grow extra facial and body hair.
• Follicles are sacs in the ovaries, which contains eggs. During ovulation, one or more egg is released. This is called as ovulation. In PCOS, the eggs in the follicles do not mature and are not released from the ovaries.
• They form cysts which is called as Polycystic Ovarian Disease.

PCOS / PCOD complication

• Increased risk of endometrial cancer
• Infertility: Early treatment of POCD increases the chance of having a healthy pregnancy.
• Obesity linked diseases like High blood pressure, heart problems and diabetes.
• Possible increased risk of breast cancer.

Homeopathy helps in correcting the Hormonal imbalance while helping in regularizing the menstrual cycle.