Episode 78: Homeopathy and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) with Gitanjali Goel

PCOS can look very different from one woman to another. In this episode of the Homeopathy247 Podcast, Mary Greensmith speaks with Gitanjali Goel about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, and the different symptoms and fertility challenges women may experience. Gitanjali discusses irregular periods, acne, unwanted hair growth, insulin resistance, weight changes and difficulties conceiving, along with the individualized approach she uses in her homeopathic practice. PCOS Is More Than Ovarian Cysts Gitanjali begins by explaining that PCOS isn't simply defined by the presence of cysts on the ovaries. Women may experience different combinations of symptoms, including irregular or absent ovulation, menstrual changes and signs associated with higher androgen levels. This is one reason proper medical assessment is important when PCOS is suspected. Recognising the Signs Some of the symptoms discussed include: Irregular menstrual cycles Acne Unwanted facial or body hair Hair thinning Difficulty managing weight Insulin resistance Fatigue Fertility difficulties Not everyone with PCOS experiences all of these symptoms. PCOS and Fertility Fertility is an important part of the conversation. Because PCOS can interfere with regular ovulation, some women may find it more difficult to become pregnant. Gitanjali describes working with women who come to her after struggling with irregular cycles, fertility treatment or unsuccessful attempts to conceive. Looking at the Individual Within her homeopathic approach, Gitanjali doesn't focus only on the PCOS diagnosis. She explores menstrual patterns, physical symptoms, sleep, energy, food preferences and emotional wellbeing to build a more detailed picture of the individual. She also discusses emotions such as grief, guilt and stress. Emotional wellbeing can affect quality of life, but emotional trauma or inherited emotional experiences should not be presented as established causes of PCOS or infertility. A PCOS Case Gitanjali shares the experience of a 32 year old woman with irregular periods, acne, weight gain, fatigue, sleep problems and elevated testosterone. She reports that over several months the client experienced improvements in energy, mood, acne and menstrual regularity while receiving individualized homeopathic care. This is an individual case report and cannot establish that homeopathy caused these changes or altered the underlying PCOS. PCOS, IVF and Fertility A second case involves a 36 year old woman experiencing PCOS symptoms and infertility after several unsuccessful IVF attempts. Gitanjali describes working with her physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing and later using what she calls a homeopathic "detox" following IVF treatment. She reports that the client subsequently became pregnant naturally. There is no established evidence that homeopathy removes or detoxifies fertility drugs, improves implantation or increases the likelihood of pregnancy following IVF. An individual pregnancy cannot establish that a homeopathic intervention caused conception. Individualized Support One of Gitanjali's main messages is that two women with PCOS may require very different support because their symptoms, health histories and fertility journeys can be very different. PCOS should be medically assessed and may require support with menstrual health, metabolic risk factors and fertility. Treatment can include lifestyle measures and medications depending on the individual's needs. Homeopathy has not been established as an effective treatment for PCOS or infertility and should not replace appropriate medical or fertility care. Key Takeaways PCOS involves more than ovarian cysts. Symptoms vary considerably between women. Irregular cycles and androgen related symptoms can be important clues. PCOS may affect ovulation and fertility. Insulin resistance can form part of the PCOS picture. Gitanjali uses individualized homeopathic case taking. She shares two experiences from her practice. Case reports cannot prove homeopathic treatment effectiveness. Fertility and PCOS care should include appropriate medical assessment. Visit Gitanjali's website: https://pcosandfertilityhomeopath.com/ Join the Homeopathy for PCOS Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ManagingPCOSNaturallywithHomeopathy Subscribe to our YouTube channel and be updated with our latest episodes. You can also subscribe to our podcast channels available on your favourite podcast listening app below: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeopathy247-podcast/id1628767810 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39rjXAReQ33hGceW1E50dk Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/homeopathy247-podcast Follow us on our social media accounts: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeopathy247 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeopathy247 You can also visit our website at https://homeopathy247.com/