Hormonal complaints are common and homeopathy can help. This article is but a brief overview of a large subject.
Hormones are the chemical messengers of the body. The endocrine system is the collective name, to include the principal components – the hypothalamus; pituitary; thyroid; parathyroid; pancreas; adrenals; ovaries and testes.
The endocrine system affects us all. The female system is rather more complex than the male due to the menstrual cycle and potential for child bearing. Consequently the female is more sensitive to hormonal disturances. As you are well aware, period pains, menopausal symptoms and associated mood swings get a regular airing in the media. Not to mention debilitating problems such as polycystic ovaries, endometriosis and so on.
In my wider family there has recently been a birth, a process where the endocrine system is in full swing, so too the emotions that follow. It got me looking in my study notes once more.
But major stages of development, such as puberty are common to both sexes, with acne being one common example, equally applicable to both sexes. And we’ll doubtless see plenty of male agression (some female too) from the spectators in the stands at the World Cup soon to occupy our TV screens over the coming weeks.
You will find the homeopathic approach explained in many of my blogs, one recent example is here.
Homeopathy does not approach health on the basis of taking ‘this’ pill for ‘that’ condition. Homeopathy does not focus on a ‘condition’ or its label. Rather it looks at the person as an individual, and their circumstances in the round.
Symptoms are unwanted, but they tell a story. They reflect the body’s best efforts to restore balance and the job of the homeopathic remedy is to support that process.
A painkiller, for example, does what it says on the tin, and may be fast acting (for a while), but it is not curative. In contrast, homeopathy, works with the body with the intention of bringing lasting improvement.
The remedy Sepia, originates from the ink from the common cuttlefish (hence the brown sepiatone of old pictures – my first school class photos included!). It is a major homeopathic remedy for female hormonal issues, though the symptom picture initially came from a man – an artist using sepia ink, who used his tongue to shape the brush.
Cuttlefish use the ink defensively to deceive its predator.
Sepia, says Dr Roger Morrison, is one of the top three remedies given to women. Key characteristics are an indifference to loved ones, and to the opposite sex.
Old homeopathic books from a century ago, speak of a woman worn down by life. A life of household chores, and a demanding brood.
The world has moved on since then. I once recall listening to a speaker who suggested that the small electic motor was the greatest female emancipator. This is certainly true in regard to the washing machine, for example. But the demands of motherhood still remain, instead being schools runs or after school activities and so on.
Catherine Coulter, is an American homeopath with several books to her name giving portraits of homeopathic remedies. She says the Sepia type can “lash out at her children and especially her husband!”
The classic Sepia ‘type’ is tall, slim and athletic – indeed always better for movement and fresh air. This rather parallels the characteristics of the cuttlefish, an animal that swims gracefully, and attacks its prey with great ferocity.
Close to Sepia comes Folliculinum, which is a homeopathically potentised oestrogen (a hormone). This woman may feel drained, or feels controlled by another and has lost her individuality. Betweeen ovulation and menses her symptoms are worse, improving after the menses.
Lachesis, is another remedy where the symptoms with the commencement of the menses. Here, the mental picture is very different, being aggressive, intense and envious. This is a homeopathically potentised snake venom.
Finally, I mention Pulsatilla. The origin this time is a pretty flower. The central essence of this remedy is ‘changeability with softness’. This woman may feel forsaken and seeks consolation. Irregularity in menses or painful menses are characteristic.
But what about men and children you ask? The quick answer is that all the above have applicability in men and children, though the affinity less apparent. The male Sepia for example may be lacking in motivation, and weak in spirit. Given that sexuality is a continuum rather than black and white, Sepia and Pulsatilla males tend to have a stronger feminine side.
The Sepia child on the other hand is quite alive (not worn down) but has symptoms of over sensitivity, stresss and fear.
By the same token a generally perceived male remedy such as Nux vomica – the typical ‘Type A personality’ – can apply to the female. This is the competitive, workalcoholic who strives forward on any type of stimulant from coffee upwards. Nux vomica is a black type (i.e. strongly indicated) remedy in both the female and male chapters of the text books.
‘Nux’ children are highly competitive, and bad losers. Potentially they are affected by gastric problems like colic or colitis.
The foregoing was but an introduction, but I hope you get the general idea. Homeopathy for hormonal complaints or anything else for that matter, is not not an easy subject. Nor is it defined by protocols. Dr Samuel Hahnemann in his Organon of Medicine, aphorism two, sets down the challenge:
“The highest ideal of therapy is to restore health, rapidly, gently, permanently; to remove and destroy the whole disease, in the shortest, surest, least harmful way, according to clearly comprehensible principles.”
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Hahnemann, had a touch of genius that evades most of us. But what he wrote has stood the test of time.
If you have a health problem unresolved or not resolved to your satisfaction, why not try homeopathy? The first step is to book a free 30 minute discovery call where we can chat and see how homeopathic treatment can help you.
Disclaimer: I am a qualified professional homeopath and not a medical doctor. The NHS has many resources, and seeking the opinion of your GP is always of value.
Dibden Purlieu, Southampton