PCOD is the most common ovarian dysfunction and endocrine disorder. It affects approximately 15 to 20 % of women in the reproductive age. PCOD is characterized by multiple small cysts in the ovaries. Due to hormonal imbalances the follicles fail to expel the ovum and this leads to the ovary getting filled with immature follicles called cysts.

Surprisingly, some women suffering from PCOD may remain asymptomatic, while some may experience classical symptoms of the disease, like irregular menstruation, excessive hair on the face and body, inability to conceive or even miscarriages.

What is PCOS / PCOD?

Every woman has a pair of ovaries. The ovaries have many follicles inside them. Every month, one of these follicles develops and matures to release an egg (or ovum). This is called ovulation. All this happens under the influence of hormones.

In this syndrome, due to hormonal imbalances the follicles fail to expel the ovum. This leads to the ovary getting filled with immature follicles, which are called cysts. So as the name suggests, (polycystic meaning many cysts) it is a disease which is characterized by multiple small cysts in the ovaries. The ovary gets enlarged, and produces excessive amounts of three important hormones - estrogen, androgen and progesterone. So, affected women often have signs and symptoms of elevated androgen levels, menstrual irregularity, weight gain and abnormal hair growth on the face or body. They may even have amenorrhea (absence of periods).

Sometimes, PCOD is also referred to as PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome because the signs and symptoms are very closely interrelated and associated with each other. The syndrome was originally reported by Stein and Leventhal. So it is also called Stein-Leventhal syndrome.

Causes of PCOD / PCOS

There is no definite cause that has been identified, but studies indicate that PCOD has a significant hereditary component. It is often found to run in the family. Patients with PCOD have persistently elevated levels of androgens and estrogen, which leads to anovulation (no ovulation). This further leads to enlargement of the ovaries, and in turn, excess of hormone production. It is a vicious cycle.

Overactive adrenal glands can also produce excess androgens, and these may also contribute to PCOD. These women also have high levels of insulin in their blood, because their cells do not respond normally to insulin.

Obesity is known to aggravate PCOD.

PCOD / PCOS Symptoms

Some women do not show any signs or symptoms of PCOD. They may have regular menses and ovaries that look normal on an ultrasound scan, and still have PCOD.

Most women with PCOD display the following classic symptoms:

• Menstrual irregularities: This is a common PCOD / PCOS symptoms. Due to excessive estrogen production, there is excessive growth of the uterine lining. This usually leads to very heavy uterine bleeding. The bleeding episodes may occur anytime, leading to menstrual irregularities. So there may be irregular and infrequent menstrual periods or no menstrual periods at all.
• Hair and skin problems: Hair and skin problems are also common symptoms of PCOS / PCOD. When the ovaries enlarge, they produce excess androgen (male hormone) and estrogen. The excess androgen leads to increased hair growth, which is called hirsuitism. There may be excessive breakouts of acne. The patient may also have thickened, darkened areas of skin on the neck, groin or underarms.
• Obesity: About 50 % of women with PCOD are obese. Obesity tends to enhance abnormal estrogen and androgen production in this disorder, which only magnifies the problems of irregular bleeding and excessive hair-growth.
• Symptoms related to insulin resistance: Insulin resistance is also a common PCOD / PCOS symptom. Approximately 40% of PCOD patients are insulin resistant. This means that their cells do not respond normally to insulin. This if left untreated, leads to excess of un-utilized glucose in the body. So this causes Type II diabetes. There may be weight gain and high blood pressure also.
• Infertility: In PCOD, as explained above, the follicles are not able to release the mature ova. So this, coupled with the fact that there is hormonal imbalance, contributes to infertility. PCOD is the cause of infertility in 20% of women who are unable to conceive.
• Miscarriage: The hormonal imbalance in PCOD interferes with ovum development within the follicle and disrupts embryo implantation in the uterus. This leads to miscarriages.

The peer-reviewed published research quoted on this page represents some of the studies done on natural remedies for PCOS/PCOD. More such studies can be found on pubmed or google scholar. Our doctors participate in or evaluate research from all traditions before formulating our precedent-setting kits. However, the laws on natural medicine vary, from country to country, and we, therefore, make no claims beyond those made by the FDA in your country who is the only authority that can legally make a claim to cure, treat, or mitigate a disease. You are welcome to discuss this research with your doctors. If they truly care about your health they too will take the time to study it with an open mind. You may then take our all natural products for Hormonal and Endocrine support. Biogetica supports you in your right to know and chose and we vow to be with you every step of the way. No one will be turned away from receiving our natural remedies even if they cannot pay.

Metformin has become a leading treatment for PCOD, despite the fact that it has not been approved for this purpose. Metformin is an 'insulin sensitizing' drug commonly used in the treatment of Diabetes. Since, many patients of PCOD develop resistance to insulin, they usually end up having type II diabetes. It reduces the production of androgen and establishes ovulation.

Metformin is reported to affect kidney functioning and needs careful monitoring.

As part of PCOS treatment, sometimes a drug called Clomiphene is combined with low doses of Dexamethasone, a steroid which suppresses androgen production from the adrenal glands.

Clomiphene stimulates the ovaries to produce more ova, but there is a risk of multiple-pregnancy in this therapy.

There are several medications that can block and reduce the effects of androgen. They include Spironolactone, Cyproterone acetate and Flutamide. They may have some side-effects.

Laparoscopy is another PCOS / PCOD treatment option used lately for patients with PCOD. If the ovaries are quite enlarged, multiple holes are drilled through the thickened ovarian tissue. This helps restore normal ovarian function and induce ovulation. This is a very delicate surgery and can lead to severe consequences if the cortex of the ovary is destroyed. The cortex contains ova. So, the destruction of this area may cause infertility.

Advanced Natural Approach

PCOD/PCOS cannot be treated with over the counter homeopathy, Ayurveda or Supplements in most countries. No Natural products are approved by the FDA for PCOD/PCOS treatment. Natural products at best can be used for improving the Endocrinal and Reproductive systems of the body.

Biogetica's approach institutes a unique mixture of traditional Ayurvedic herbs, advanced resonance Homeopathies along with Natural dietary Supplements.

This combination is believed to focus on: **

• Correcting the Pituitary-hypothalamus axis.
• Balancing the body's secretion of female hormones- estrogen and progesterone.
• Using Bio-energetic imprints of normal ovarian tissue to stimulate the ovaries to resume normal functioning.
• Restoring proper ovulation and menstrual cycles.

Biogetica’s mission is to provide you with integrated natural solutions that target root issues across the physical, energetic and informational spectrum of your life. Our Doctors research all possible ingredients and combine them synergistically into kits to potentially lead you back to health and freedom.

Biogetica's approach to healing is based on the following aspects:
1. HEAL THE ENTIRE BEING:
2. LOOK FOR NATURAL SOLUTIONS:
3. APPEAL TO THE BALANCING FORCES INHERENT IN ALL NATURE
4. FROM MEDICATION TO MEDITATION

1. HEAL THE ENTIRE BEING:
Biogetica has a unique and comprehensive Holographic model of healing which synthesizes all the traditional natural health systems to simultaneously ease physical, mental, emotional layers of your being.

You, as a living, thinking, feeling, vibrating being, are much more than a collection of inter-related chemical processes. You are life itself. Life can never be reduced to a series of chemical reactions as chemical reactions cannot create life. Every thought, emotion, vibration or action leads to a series of chemical changes in the body. Biogetica recognizes this and balances the ENTIRE BEING, bringing mind, body, and soul into harmony. Treating an ailment on a molecular level alone, seldom has a lasting effect as the untreated social, emotional, mental, spiritual and energetic patterns cause the ailment to manifest once again on a physical plane. Holistic healing is necessary for lasting relief. Biogetica, therefore, uses Resonance Homeopathic to harmonize the entire being; flower essences to attune the mind; Ayurvedic, Tibetan, and Chinese herbs to balance the energetic and the physiological manifestation of the five elements; and nutraceuticals to coordinate cellular nutrition.

2. LOOK FOR NATURAL SOLUTIONS:
Our bodies are made of and supported by nature and therefore can only be healed by nature in the long term. Chemicals are often necessary for immediate change in an acute situation but tend to do the body more harm than good in the long run. Hence, Biogetica's Doctors are dedicated to providing natural solutions that are supported by evidence and prior use. To us, the argument is fairly obvious: One would use wood to fix a desk made of wood or metal to fix a car made of metal, so why use chemicals to fix a body made of nature?

Nature has blessed the Earth with natural remedies and healing mechanisms. It would be wise not to ignore them. The intelligence of nature is much greater than that of man. Unfortunately, man still focuses on chemical medicines, as they can be patented and sold for huge profits. Allopathic attempts to treat chronic ailments by interfering directly with the chemical processes using man-made substances have essentially been a failure. We claim to be cracking the gene code, but we still can't cure a cold with man-made substances!!! Homeopathic and Naturopathic methods are never studied and verified by governing bodies, as there is no one who will spend millions obtaining an approval on herbs, knowing that they cannot be patented and sold exclusively by them.

3. APPEAL TO THE BALANCING FORCES INHERENT IN ALL NATURE:
Life cannot be recreated with chemical interactions and there is much more to life than molecular interactions. Our bodies are the most advanced pharmacies on the planet and millions of functions happen each minute with astounding precision. Biogetica therapies are designed to appeal to the balancing forces apparent in all nature by reminding and stimulating the body towards a certain function. The nutraceuticals in our kits provide specific nutrition for a function, the herbs in our kits balance the terrain of the body so that it is able to perform that function and the resonance homeopathies are designed to remind the body to be in resonance with that very function.

4. FROM MEDICATION TO MEDITATION:
Good health and freedom involve every aspect of our being including diet, lifestyle, exercise, emotional states, thoughts and energetic patterns. Biogetica Drs have therefore designed diet, nutrition, exercise, and meditation protocols specific to various life situations. We encourage you to actively partake in these for best results.

Diet plays an important role in the management of PCOS, not only to lose weight but also to regulate insulin levels. Including non-starchy, whole grain and high fiber foods, and excluding sugary, starchy and refined foods from your diet can go a long way in managing PCOS complaints.

Recommended Foods:

• Diet is an important factor in the treatment of infertility. It should contain seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits. These foods should be supplemented with milk, vegetable oils, and honey.
• Curd and cottage cheese. About seventy to eighty per cent of the diet should consist of foods in their natural uncooked state, because cooking destroys most of the nutritional value of many foods. 
• Sprouting is an excellent way of consuming seeds, beans, and grains in their raw form, as in the process of sprouting, the nutritional value is multiplied, new vitamins are created and the protein quality is improved.
• Non–starchy fresh vegetables or frozen/canned vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and carrots
• Whole grains such as whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and whole wheat bread
• Water or seltzer, flavored with fruit if desired, unsweetened ice tea
• High fiber baked goods made from whole wheat flour and oats

Foods for Moderate Consumption:

Over cooked, frozen and canned food should be moderated or avoided

Foods to Avoid:

• Excessive fat, spicy foods, strong tea, coffee, white sugar, white flour, refined cereals, flesh foods, greasy or fried foods should all be avoided.
• Sweetened juice, canned fruit in heavy syrup, or sweetened applesauce
• Starchy vegetables such as potatoes, corn, and peas
• Refined grains made with white flour such as white bread and pasta, bagels, or white rice
• Sugared cereals and other sweetened grains such as cereal bars, breakfast pastries and donuts
• Sugary drinks such as soda or juice
• Sugary foods such as cookies, cakes, and candy
• Snacks such as potato chips and tortilla chips

Home Remedies:

Take 3-4 grams of cinnamon powder with honey daily on an empty stomach. Apply a Mudpack on the belly for 10-15 minutes daily on an empty stomach- for this, you need to lie down in a supine position then soak a cotton cloth in a mud paste and place above the umbilicus.

Prana' stands for life force, and as the name suggests, it is instrumental in keeping us alive. 'Pranayama' is the process that helps us control 'Prana', and thus in a way, control our life. On careful observation, it is clear that there exists an intimate connection between the breath and energy-currents. Proper coordination of the breathing process leads to the control of vital inner-currents and energies. It ultimately results in the control of the body, mind and soul continuum. Over the millenia yogis have understood how each pranayama affects the energy meridians of the body and therefore these yogis recommend particular pranayamas for particular conditions and constitutions.

1.Tandem Breathing ('Sahita Kumbhaka') 

It has 2 types, based on whether or not there is any concomitant chanting of Mantras with the Pranayama exercise. 

Steps:

1. Comfortable aasana like Padma-asana or Swastika-asana.
2. Slow inhalation; with concomitant chants of the mantra 'OM AARAH', if possible.
3. Hold the breath for a short period of time. 
4. Slow Exhalation.

Significance:

It's a daily and constant process, which we seldom appreciate.

Benefits:

It encourages concentration with closed eyes while we inhale and exhale.

2. Awakening breath ('Surya Bheda')

Steps:

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana / Swastika asana / Siddhasana. Concentrate with eyes closed.

2. Rest the right thumb on the right nostril (Avoid applying any pressure or blocking the nostril). At the same time, rest the right index finger on the space between 2 eyebrows and close the left nostril with the right ring and little finger.

3. Slow inhalation through the right nostril is pursued, till comfortable.

4. With the thumb applied to the right nostril, retain the breath firmly pressing the chin against the chest. There is no specific limit to this and it can be pursued till there is discomfort.

5. Slow and silent exhalation through the left nostril. It is followed by a short gap wherein inhalation is avoided. This same procedure is to be repeated again. 

Time limit: 

Hold your breath till you perspire. This point cannot be reached at the very outset. The period of retention of breath needs to be gradually increased. 

Advantages:

• It cures the diseases caused by excess of Vata & Kapha
• Improves digestion
• Awakens 'Kundalini Shakti'

Indications:

• Intestinal worms
• Arthritis
• Sinusitis

3. Hissing breath ('Ujjayi')

Steps: 

1. Sit comfortably in Padma-asana / Swastika asana / Siddhasana. Close the mouth. 
2. Fold the tip of the tongue and rest it on the palate. The tongue will appear to be 'twisted'. 
3. Inhale air slowly through both the nostrils in a uniform manner till the breath fills the chest. This results in a peculiar sound uniform in pitch and continuous in nature.
4. Retain the breath as long as you can, till there is any discomfort.
5. Close the right nostril with the right thumb.
6. Exhale slowly through the left nostril.

Time limit:

3 min to hr

Advantages:

• Strengthens the nervous system
• Improves the tone of voice
• Relieves stress
• Increases lung capacity

Indications:

• Indigestion
• Koch's
• Bronchitis
• Pharyngitis
• Spleen disorders
• Tonsillitis
• Cough
• Ascites

• Purifies the blood
• Quenches thirst and appeases hunger

• Spleen disorders
• Chronic dyspepsia
• Indigestion
• Bilious disorders

5. Cooling Breath (Shitkari) 

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. 
2. Fold the tongue so that its tip is brought to rest over the upper palate. Inhale air through the mouth accompanied by a hissing sound 'Si'/ 'C'. 
3. Retain the breath as long as you can, till there is any discomfort.
4. Slowly exhale through both the nostrils.

Time limit: 

Gradually increase by 1 minute every week, till 5 minutes.

Advantages:

• Helps to keep the body cool in summer
• Improves vigor & beauty
• Helps quench thirst when thirsty

Indications:

• Dental carries
• Bleeding and inflammation of gums
• Ulcers
• Colitis
• Throat infection
• Hypertension patients can practice this type of Pranayama to decrease blood pressure.

6. Bellow Breath (Bhastrika)

It draws similarity with the bellows of a blacksmith. It involves rapid expulsion of breath and is a powerful exercise. It can be termed as a combination of Kapalabhati and Ujjayi. 

Steps: 

1. Upright position (with a straight neck) in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. 
2. Body, head and neck in erect posture. Close the mouth. 
3. Inhale air (chest expands and abdominal muscles are pulled in) and quickly exhale 10 times (1 set). While doing so a hissing sound is produced. 
4. When 1 set is on the verge of completion the final expulsion should be followed by a deepest possible inhalation. 
5. Retain breath as long as you can till there is some any discomfort. 
6. Follow it with a complete slow exhalation. This marks the end of one round. 
7. After a short rest (with normal breathing pattern) begin the next round. 

Time limit: 

Practice three rounds daily in the morning and evening. 

Advantages:

• Decreases anxiety and depression
• Stimulates appetite
• Improves resistance power
• Gives warmth to the body
• Purifies 'Nadi' and awakens the 'Kundalini' quickly

Indications:

• Abdominal disorders
• Throat and chest infection

Note:

• In case you encounter any giddiness, stop the practice and take a few normal breaths. Continue after the giddiness has subsided.
• In summer, practice it in the morning only during cool hours.
• Those wishing to practice it in the long-term and in an intense manner, should live on 'Khichdi', and take an Enema ('Bhasti') in the morning before starting the practice.
• People suffering from heart or lung disorders should do it slowly.

7. Humming Breath (Bhramari)

 Its name is derived from the fact that a sound like that of 'humming of bees' is produced when it is practiced.

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana or Swastika-asana. Keep the neck and back erect.
2. Place your thumbs on the ears, index fingers just above the eyebrows (near the sinuses) and the remaining three fingers on the eyes. The finger-tips should slightly press the ridge of the nose on each side.
3. Inhale and exhale air rapidly through both the nostrils, making a humming sound resembling that of a Bee ('Bhramara'). Concomitantly chant 'Om'.
4. The process can be continued till you perspire profusely. 
5. Next inhale through both the nostrils and retain the breath as long as you can, till there is some discomfort. 
6. Exhale slowly through both the nostrils. 

Time limit: 

Beginners may practice it 3 times, and advanced practitioners 11-21 times.

Advantages:

• Improves speech and voice-quality
• Helps in the achievement of ultimate peace ('Samadhi')

Indications:

• Sinusitis
• Hypertension
• Depression
• Stress

Contraindications

• Epilepsy
• Head injury
• Brain tumor
• Migraine
• Severe or persistent headaches

8. Supreme Breath ('Murcha Pranayama') 

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. 
2. Close the eyes and concentrate on the space between the 2 eyebrows ('Trikuti'). 
3. Inhale slowly through the mouth and retain the breath till you feel faint. 
4. Sever off your connection with the surroundings and focus on the center-point between the 2 eyebrows.
5. Apply the chin on the chest and then exhale slowly. 

Advantages:

• Practice without distraction endows divine happiness
• Makes you feel pleasant and relaxed

Indications:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mental disorders

9. Unconditioned Breath ('Kevala Kumbhaka') 

Perfection in Tandem breathing (mentioned earlier) paves the way for Kevala Kumbhaka. Thus, an existence devoid of inhalation and exhalation and unconditioned by space, time and number is unconditioned breath.

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana.
2. It involves the sudden stopping of the breath without resorting to inhalation or exhalation.

Advantages:

• Attainment of Raja Yoga and perfection in Hath Yoga
• Arousal of Kundalini Shakti
• Cures diseases and promotes longevity

10. Alternate Breath

A simple, yet scientific exercise that can be practiced virtually anywhere. It is based on the fact that we alternate between the two nostrils when we breathe. 

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. Tilt your head slightly forward.

2. First half round:

• Fold the index and middle fingers of the right hand into its palm. The other fingers should be extended.
• Close the right nostril with your right thumb.
• Inhale through the left nostril for a definite period of time – say 5 seconds.
• Close the left nostril with the right ring-finger and little-finger.
• Concurrently remove your thumb from the right nostril, and exhale.
• This is to be done for twice the inhalation period, i.e. for 10 seconds.
• This completes the first half of one round. 3. Second half round
• Inhale through the right nostril for a definite period say 5 seconds.
• Close the right nostril with the right thumb.
• Exhale through the left nostril for a period that is twice that of inhalation i.e. 10 seconds.
• This completes the other half of one round.

3. Second half round:

• Inhale through the right nostril for a definite period – say 5 seconds.
• Close the right nostril with your right thumb.
• Exhale through the left nostril for a period that is twice that of inhalation i.e. 10 seconds.
• This completes the other half of one round.

Time limit: 

If there is no discomfort of any kind after practicing as instructed above, increase the inhalation period gradually second-by-second. Correspondingly change the exhalation period.

Number of Rounds: 

Begin with 3 rounds. If there is no discomfort, 1 round can be added every week, until you are doing 7 rounds.

This exercise can be practiced as often as you wish, but do remember to do it at least once a day.

Advantages:

• Cleanses/detoxifies the Pranic channels
• Regulates Prana
• Imparts relaxation
• Improves mental functioning and alertness
• Imparts optimum creativity and optimum logical, verbal activity of the brain
• Improves sleep

Indications:

• Stress and related disorders
• Physical and mental fatigue
• Tension headaches

Contraindications

Cold/ Nasal block (Stuffed nose). Forced breathing is not advocated and can lead to complications.

The mind is a tool developed for our survival. You are not the mind, nor the body but rather one that can perceive the mind and the body. However, one is now constantly wagged around by the mind and its fears and desires. Often we find ourselves trampled in a parade of thoughts and washed around in a flood of emotions. Meditation is simply the process of returning Home to our true nature as the witnessing consciousness in which arise all thoughts and emotions. It is merely the fragrance of Being Human.

Meditation cannot be done, it will happen once we stop doing everything and anything. Now is all that exists, all else is merely grasping at the wind hoping to change things that are generally way beyond our control.

Talking about meditation and whether you believe you can do it or not, is pointless. When we rise above our mind, emotions and body, meditation will happen. Simply listening and following is enough. Meditation is in our very nature, and it happens for us all. Behind all those thoughts is a Witness. You are that Witness.

So please, let it happen.

 

• Guided Healing Meditation with Patrick from Samarpan foundation-Goa,India

• Guided Qi Gong energy healing meditation with our founder Apoorv

Advaita self discovering meditation with Apoorv"I AM THAT I AM"meditation with Dr Stephen Wollinsky

• Meditation 1

• Meditation 2

• Meditation 3

• Meditation 4

• Meditation 5