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Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin condition in which small, inflamed painful lumps form under the skin. The lumps can break open and release fluid or pus that can have an offensive smell. The tunnels can also form under the skin from connection of these lumps. This skin condition usually occurs in areas where the skin tends to rub together like in armpits, the area under breast or groin (the crease area where the upper part of the thigh and the lower part of the abdomen meet). This condition is also known as acne inversa. It is a non – contagious condition which means it doesn’t spread through direct skin to skin contact.

Homeopathy proves highly successful in managing cases of hidradenitis suppurativa. Homeopathic medicines work naturally in these cases to help to heal the lumps, reduce pain and clear off the associated pus discharge. These medicines are prepared from naturally occurring substances and hence are very safe to use. In conventional mode, antibiotics, pain killers and steroids are used for cases of hidradenitis suppurativa. In severe cases, this mode recommends surgical intervention. This treatment offers short-term relief and can have side effects as well. But in homeopathy, the results are long- lasting that too without any side effects.

Homeopathy boost self – healing mechanism

Homeopathy stimulates body’s own healing mechanism in the body to promote natural recovery in cases of hidradenitis suppurativa. For this homeopathic medicines are prescribed following individualized approach. This means the medicine for every case of hidradenitis suppurativa is selected depending on the signs and symptoms peculiar to every case. This well-selected individualized medication serves great help in dissolving the cysts and lumps by working on the internal body system for long-term recovery.

Effective for acute / chronic cases

Homeopathic treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa helps in healing the lumps, nodules, cysts and boils in acute cases as well as chronic cases. These medicines also work in treating the recurrent tendency of skin lesions. Though homeopathy takes a few months’ time for proper and complete healing as it brings results gradually, but it is a great alternative treatment option due to its high effectivity, long-lasting results and lack of any side effects. It is to be noted that homeopathy is recommended for mild to moderate cases of hidradenitis suppurativa. But in severe and complicated cases of hidradenitis suppurativa, it has limitations and here it is advised to take help from conventional mode of treatment.

Safe natural medicine

Homeopathy uses highly diluted medicines prepared from naturally-occurring substances to treat cases of hidradenitis suppurativa. Such medicines never cause any side effects and are thus considered 100% safe to use. These work in the gentlest way treating the condition in a harmless manner.

Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Homeopathy offers a very effective treatment for complaints of hidradenitis suppurativa. These medicines also work in treating the recurrent tendency for skin lesions of this complaint. These medicines help to heal the lumps, reduce the pain and clear off the pus discharges. These medicines are prepared from naturally occurring substances and hence are very safe to use without any side effects. 

1. Silicea – Leading Medicine for Cyst, Boils, Lumps in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Silicea is a top-listed medicine for treating cases of hidradenitis suppurativa. It is very effective to treat boils, lumps, and cysts under the skin. In case of boils, it is indicated when there is pus discharge that can be slight or excessive. It is also indicated when there is thin watery discharge or brownish discharge. The discharge is very offensive where this medicine is required.

When to use Silicea?

Silicea is the most frequently prescribed medicine to manage lumps, boils with pus discharge in cases of hidradenitis suppurativa.

How to use Silicea?

The most commonly used potency of Silicea is 6X. Silicea 6X can be used three to four times per day depending on the intensity of the problem

2. Hepar Sulph – For Painful Boils in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

This is a very beneficial medicine for painful boils. The pain may be throbbing or beating type. The pain tends to get worse at night. There is much inflammation, heat and swelling over the boils. In cases needing it, the pus discharge from boils is blood-stained and very offensive. A person needing it may have a tendency to develop acne (pimples). These are often filled with pus.

When to use Hepar Sulph?

Hepar Sulph is an excellent medicine for managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa with boils that have marked pain especially throbbing or beating type that gets worse at night.

How to use Hepar Sulph?

It can be used in different potencies from low to high as per severity of the complaint, however initially it is advised to use this medicine in 30C potency once or twice a day.

3. Myristica – To Speed up Recovery of Boils

Myristica is a natural medicine that proves very useful to help cases of Hidradenitis Suppurativa for healing of boils. It has a well-known action of hastening the process of pus formation and expulsion that cut short the healing time aiding quick recovery in cases of boils. Surgical intervention is often prevented by timely use of this medicine in these cases.

When to use Myristica?

Myristica is the best medicine to speed up the process of pus formation and expulsion in boils resulting in quick recovery in cases of Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

How to use Myristica?

Myristica is usually used in 30C potency that can be taken once or twice a day.

4. Belladonna – For Boils in Initial Stage with Redness, Heat and Swelling

This medicine is indicated in initial stages when there are boils with redness, heat and swelling. The affected skin area is also sensitive to touch.  Another peculiar indication to use this medicine is recurrent and periodical boils that recur every year specifically in spring season.

When to use Belladonna?

The use of this medicine should be considered for boils in the early stages with redness, heat and swelling occurring in Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

How to use Belladonna?

This medicine can be used in low 30C potency once or twice a day. It can also be used in 200C potency but not more than once a day.

5. Calcarea Sulph – For Boils with Thick Yellow Pus Discharge

It is another helpful medicine for treating boils in Hidradenitis Suppurativa cases. In cases needing it there is presence of thick yellow pus discharge. This medicine offers help in both acute cases and as well as chronic cases. It also helps to treat one’s tendency to have recurrent boils.

When to use Calcarea Sulph?

Calcarea Sulph works well for cases of Hidradenitis Suppurativa with boils that discharge thick yellow pus.

How to use Calcarea Sulph?

It is advised to use this medicine in 6X power twice or thrice a day.

6. Sulphur – When One Boil Heals followed by Another Boil

Sulphur is an important medicine for Hidradenitis Suppurativa when a boil in one place heals and is followed by another boil at a different location. The boil discharges pus, sometimes blood-stained. It can be yellow and offensive in nature. The boil is very painful and is much inflamed at the base. Besides, it is also valuable medicine to treat cases where boils come in crops in different body parts.

When to use Sulphur?

This medicine is well-indicated for Hidradenitis Suppurativa when boils keep forming one after another as soon as the previous heals. It is also indicated for multiple boils forming in crops in different areas on body.

How to use Sulphur?

Initially Sulphur 30C can be taken once or twice a week. Its frequent repetition should be avoided.

7. Conium – For Cysts and Hard Lumps / Nodules

Conium is a highly valuable medicine to treat cases of Hidradenitis Suppurativa where cysts or lumps / nodules are present under the skin. The lumps or nodules are hard. This medicine works effectively in dissolving the cysts, lumps and nodules in a gradual manner.

When to use Conium?

Conium should be selected to dissolve cysts and hard lumps / nodes under the skin in Hidradenitis Suppurativa cases.

How to use Conium?

It is recommended to use Conium once a day in 30C potency.

Causes

The exact reason behind this condition is not yet clear. It is not caused by an infection and it doesn’t arise from poor hygiene. This condition is known to begin from blockage of hair follicles. It is thought that genetics play a role in it as it is seen to run in families. Next, hormonal changes are also thought to have a role in its development as it tends to start after puberty. Another factor that is linked with this condition is an overactive immune system that becomes over responsive to little infections in the clogged hair follicles. Apart from the above, other factors that are thought to be associated with development of it includes smoking, being overweight and having acne (pimples).

Women are at more risk to develop this condition as compared to men. Having a family history of this condition also increases the risk. Persons in the age group of 20 to 39 yrs are at risk.

In addition to the above, there are certain medical conditions that raise its risk. The first among them is a metabolic syndrome that refers to a group of five conditions which increases the risk of developing a heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. These conditions include increased blood pressure, excess fat around the waist, high blood sugar, high levels of triglyceride and low level of good cholesterol. The other two are diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a term to describe two disorders in which there occurs chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. First among these disorders is ulcerative colitis and another is Crohn’s disease.

Signs and Symptoms

This condition can appear in one or several areas of the body. The most common areas involved in it includes armpits, area under breast, groin, inner thighs, anal area and between buttocks. In case of hidradenitis suppurativa red, pimple – like bumps, painful lumps, deep nodules (solid, elevated under the skin), cyst (a lump containing fluid or other substance) under the skin and boils (pus-filled bumps) can develop. The bumps can be itchy. The boil can drain fluid, pus or blood with an offensive smell. With passing time, tunnels (sinus tract) that connect lumps may form under the skin. In this condition the lumps tend to occur on both sides of the body.

The bumps keep going away and coming back. The bumps may occur on the same site every time or they may keep changing location. This condition may get worse from stress, being overweight, hormonal changes, heat and smoking.

Stages of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

This condition is classified into three stages (called Hurley stages) depending upon its severity.

Stage 1 –  In this stage ,there is single or multiple nodules / boil with little scarring and no sinus tract

Stage 2 – In this stage, there is more than one bump with little scarring and limited tunnelling.

Stage 3 – In this stage, multiple bumps with extensive scarring and tunnelling appear involving the entire area of the body

Complications

In severe cases or the cases that are left untreated, some complications can arise. First among them is infection on the affected skin area. Second is scarring / pitting on the healed part of the skin and thickening of the scar. Next is restriction of movement from painful lesions and scar mainly when it affects the axilla. In some cases fistula (a hollow passage) can form inside the body. Another complication is swelling in arms or legs when the lumps or scars (that occurs in body areas that are near lymph nodes) obstruct the drainage of lymph. Depression can occur in the person with this condition when they avoid going out in public and self-isolate themselves due to draining from the lesion and offensive smell from it. Severe and advanced cases carry a very rare chance of squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer type).

 

Low milk supply during breastfeeding means a mother is not being able to produce enough milk in a sufficient quantity needed to meet nutritional demand of her baby. It is also known as hypogalactia or hypo galactorrhea. Agalactia is a term used for absence or failure of milk secretion after giving birth. Homeopathy for low milk supply during breastfeeding uses medicines of natural origin that are very safe to use without any side effects.

There are few things that don’t point towards low milk supply as lay man may relate to from misconceptions. These includes – a baby is not getting enough if he is nursing frequently, if breast isn’t leaking milk, breast suddenly became softer, baby has increase frequency and lengths of feeding session, baby is fussy, if baby takes  bottle of formula milk even soon after nursing, when women do not feel a let down sensation or on pumping very little milk comes out. They are not related to low milk supply and are not valid ways to check if milk supply is low or not.

If a baby is gaining weight when exclusively breast fed then it means the milk supply is sufficient for his growth. Some of the actual signs that indicate that baby is not getting sufficient milk needed for growth are poor weight gain, not enough wet  diapers (less than 8 – 10 diapers) in a day, have signs of dehydration (like lethargy, dark rings around eyes, sunken fontanelle, yellowish urine), getting weaker, or signs of not growing well.

Causes 

It can firstly arise if breastfeeding is started late after childbirth. Next it can happen if the baby is not latching properly. It means the baby is not sucking properly to draw enough milk from the breast. If the breast milk is not removed time to time then its production reduces. Next it can arise if the baby is taking infrequent feeds or taking feed for a short time approx less than 5 minutes. This is because frequent extraction or draining of milk from breast boosts or triggers milk supply but allowing the milk to remain in the breast for long decreases milk supply. Use of pacifiers and supplementing feeding with infant formula milk unnecessarily in initial weeks also decrease milk supply. Starting breastfeeding as soon as possible after childbirth, making sure the baby is latching properly during breastfeeding, frequently breastfeeding around every 2 – 3 hrs during initial weeks, avoiding bottles and pacifiers in the early week can help in cases having above reasons. 

Premature birth, jaundice, tongue tie in baby also tend to decrease milk supply because with these conditions baby can’t suck properly leading to low milk supply.  

Other than above factors related to low milk supply are stress, exhaustion, not taking enough sleep, not drinking enough water, use of certain medicines (like zyrtec D),  use of hormonal pills, history of previous breast surgery, injury to breast, underdeveloped (hypoplastic breast) being underweight or obese, drinking alcohol, smoking and taking excessive caffeine.   

Apart from above there can be a medical reason which is causing true low milk supply. In such cases the medical reasons have to be treated to establish good milk supply. The medical reasons include hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), anaemia, post partum haemorrhage (Blood loss of more than 500 ml to 1000 ml of blood within the first 24 hours after childbirth), Hypopituitarism (decreased secretion of hormones by the pituitary gland), hyperprolactinemia (medical condition with deficiency of prolactin hormone). Prolactin is lactogenic hormone or milk hormone which is responsible for breast growth during pregnancy and for breast milk production after delivery for breast feeding the baby), recent mastitis (inflammation of breast), retained placenta, breast cancer,  pregnancy induced high blood pressure, insulin dependent diabetes which is poorly controlled.

Homeopathy for Low Milk Supply During Breastfeeding

Homeopathic medicines are very effective to improve milk supply during breastfeeding.  They help in enhancing milk supply naturally by treating the medical reason behind it. Some of these medicines not only help to boost breast milk production during lactation but also helps to improve its quality. Though these are entirely safe to use but one must take them under supervision and guidance of a homeopathic physician who will suggest the medicine name, dose and repetition based on every individual case analysis.  

1. Pulsatilla – When Milk Quantity is Scanty, Thin and Watery

Homeopathic medicine Pulsatilla is prepared from plant Pulsatilla Nigricans commonly known as pasque flower or wind flower. This plant belongs to family ranunculaceae. It is valuable medicine to increase milk flow when it is little in quantity, thin, watery and lacking true milk globules. Swelling of breast may be present. Females needing it may have mild, sensitive nature with weeping tendencies. They weep every time a child is put to breast.

2. Chamomilla – To Establish Flow of Milk when Absent with Sore Breasts

It is a very helpful medicine for increasing breast milk. It is indicated for women who have soreness of breast and absent milk. The breast may be hard and tender to touch. Drawing pain in the breast can be present too. With this they may have profuse lochia (vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth). it is also indicated when there is suppressed milk from anger spells. 

3. Urtica Urens – For Cases with Complete Absence of Milk (agalactia) with Pain 

This medicine is prepared from a plant known as small stinging – nettle. This plant belongs to family urticaceae. This medicine is considered in cases in which milk is entirely absent after childbirth. Along with this pain of burning, stinging nature is present in the breast. Swelling of breast is also there. In such cases this medicine helps in establishing milk flow and relieves breast pain. There may be a history of a lump in the breast in the past in the cases needing it.

4. Ricinus – To Enhance Milk Flow

It is a natural medicine prepared from plant Ricinus communis commonly called castor oil bean that belongs to the family euphorbiaceae. The leaves of this plant have very strong action on female genitals and breasts. Its use for enhancing milk supply has been done since ancient times. There are records by Hale that in ancient times in the Cape Verde Islands the leaves of this plant were applied to the breasts of females after childbirth to boost the flow of milk. Homeopathically this medicine is effective as oral medicine to enhance milk flow in nursing women.

5. Lactuca Virosa – A Galactogogue to Stimulate Milk Production

This medicine is prepared from plant Acrid Lettuce of family compositae. As per Dr.Boericke this medicine is a  true galactogogue (herbs and medicines that help to increase breast milk flow in lactating mothers). In cases needing it there can be agalactia ( means entire absence of milk in breast).

6. Lecithinum – Another Galactagogue to Increase Milk Supply 

Lecithinum is another prominent homeopathic medicine which act as a galactagogue to increase milk quantity. In addition to this it also makes milk more nourishing and nutritious.

7. Bryonia – For Inflamed Breast with Suppressed Milk Flow

This medicine is prepared from the root of plant Bryonia Alba commonly known as wild hops. This plant belongs to the family cucurbitaceae. It is very beneficial for cases having inflammation of breast (mastitis) with suppressed milk flow. The breasts are swollen, hard, heavy with scanty milk secretion where it is required. Burning, tearing pain in the breast is also present. Nipples can be very hard with this. Other than above it is also useful for cases where lumps in breast are there with retarded milk flow.

8. Alfalfa – To Improve Quantity and Quality of Breast Milk

This medicine is prepared from plants called Medicago Sativa, California Clover or Lucerne. This belongs to the family papilionoideae. It is a very effective medicine to improve the quantity as well as quality of milk. Additionally it is a great tonic to increase energy, stamina and give strength to the body.

9. Asafoetida – For Re-establishing Milk Flow When it has Dried 

This medicine is prepared from gum resin of the living root of plant Gum of the Stinkasand. This plant belongs to the family umbelliferae. This medicine carries a great ability to reestablish milk flow in cases where it has dried up a few days after delivery. Females who need may have a very sensitive nature. 

10. Lac Defloratum – To Improve Milk Secretion 

This medicine works very effectively to improve milk flow. It quickly helps to bring milk flow in a few hours or a day. Females who require it may have decreased in size of breasts.

11. Calcarea Carb – For Cases having Scanty Milk with Hard, Distended Breast

This medicine offers help when the breast is hard, distended with scanty milk flow. Nipples may be hard with this. Stitching pain in the breast can be felt when child nurses.

12. Causticum – For Suppressed Milk Flow from Fatigue or Anxiety

It is a wonderful medicine to trigger milk flow when it has been suppressed from fatigue or anxiety. Females who need it also have complaints of cracked nipples. They also have intense itching about the breast. Pain in the breast during nursing can also be felt by them.

Amenorrhea refers to absence of menstrual periods in females who are of reproductive age means between puberty and menopause. The normal menstrual cycle begins in girls during puberty between the ages of 11 to 15 years. Then it occurs regularly once every month till menopause ( the age when the menstrual periods stop naturally usually around the age of 45 yrs). When women between puberty and menopause after getting a regular cycle suddenly do not get periods altogether for three months or more then they have amenorrhea. Homeopathic medicines for amenorrhea aim to regularise the menstrual cycle by correcting hormonal imbalances in a safe, natural way. 

This is not a disease in itself and can arise from various reasons. It normally happens during pregnancy, breastfeeding. Other than these natural causes it can be a sign that can indicate some underlying health problem. 

Causes 

Primary Amenorrhea

Menstruation cycle starts between the ages of 11 to 15 years. If the menstrual periods don’t start by the age of 16 yrs then it is primary amenorrhea and medical help should be seeked in such cases. 

The causes of primary amenorrhea includes congenital absence of uterus or fallopian tubes, some structural abnormality  in female reproductive system, vaginal atresia (in this vagina is abnormally closed or absent), imperforate hymen (normally vagina is surrounded by thin membrane called hymen with a small, opening in the center. In imperforate hymen, opening in this membrane is absent thereby blocking vaginal canal). Other reasons include Turner syndrome (In this women lacks some part or entire of one of the two X chromosome and ovaries are replaced by scar tissue and there is very less production of estrogen), androgen insensitivity, premature ovarian failure and problem of pituitary gland that secretes hormones required for menses.

Secondary Amenorrhea

When regular menstrual periods have started in women but afterwards some time in their life they miss their periods then it is considered a case of secondary amenorrhea. If they miss just one period then it is not a reason for concern. To be diagnosed with secondary amenorrhea a woman must have missed periods for at least three months or more when they usually have regular periods in the past. Other than this it is also diagnosed when a woman having irregular periods doesn’t  get a period for around six months.

PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is one of the main reasons behind it. Next reasons are use of certain oral contraceptives pills (birth control pills), certain types of IUD (intrauterine devices); stopping birth control pills also takes time to regularise menstrual cycle. Some medications including antipsychotics, antidepressants and some blood pressure control medicines can lead to amenorrhea. It can also arise from thyroid dysfunction. Other reasons include stress, depression , excessive weight loss or sudden weight gain, having eating disorders ( anorexia or bulimia), intense exercise, poor nutrition. Apart from above scarring /adhesions in uterus, tumours in ovaries and pituitary tumours and surgical removal of uterus or ovaries lead to this. A female may also be predisposed to have amenorrhea if she has a family history of the same. Sometimes Premature menopause causes it (normally menopause happens around age of 45 but in some females it happens before age of 40yrs with stoppage of menses)

Certain physiological causes (when periods naturally do not appear) include pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause. 

Symptoms 

Along with missed periods some other symptoms may accompany depending upon the cause behind it. These include pelvic pain, milky discharge from nipples, hair fall, facial hair (hirsutism), acne (pimples), headache and vision changes.

Homeopathic Medicines for Amenorrhea

Females having secondary amenorrhea can be highly benefited with homeopathic medicines. They help to bring periods that are suppressed by treating the root cause behind it.  Along with regularising the cycle they are effective to manage pelvic pain, milky discharge from nipples, hair fall, facial hair, acne (pimples) and headache that sometimes happens with missed periods. These medicines are of natural origin so are very safe to use without any side effects.

1. Pulsatilla – Top Grade Medicine for Missed Periods

It is a natural medicine prepared from plant Pulsatilla Nigricans commonly known as wind flower. This plant belongs to family ranunculaceae. It is a very effective medicine for bringing periods in cases of amenorrhea. It is well indicated in females who miss their periods often. They have a tendency to get periods always late. The menstrual flow is also scanty. The bleeding may be black, clotted or thin and watery. Due to suppressed periods headache can be there. In most cases needing it the periods are also painful even since puberty. With pain, chilliness, nausea and vomiting is also present. Females needing it may also complain of milky discharge from nipples along with amenorrhea. Acne from menstrual irregularities is another complaint that can accompany above symptoms. It is a very effective medicine to correct the hormonal imbalance and regularise the periods.  

2. Sepia – Leading Medicine for Absent Menses

This medicine is also among the major medicines for treating cases of amenorrhea. Like Pulsatilla, it also corrects the hormonal imbalance to bring effective cures. Females who require it complain of missed periods for many months altogether. Sometimes they only get menses around three times a year. Their periods are usually scanty in the past. Before periods they get violent pain in the abdomen. Pimples also appear in them before periods. Sadness before menses is another complaint they get. Violent bearing down pain in pelvis is a characteristic symptom that frequently attends above symptoms. It is also indicated when a female has vaginal discharge in place of menses. Complaints of facial hair in females can also be present with these symptoms.

3. Natrum Mur – For Amenorrhea and Hair Loss

Natrum Mur is a very beneficial medicine for cases of amenorrhea and hair loss. In cases needing it the menses are suppressed. They appear late and when they appear are quite profuse. Menstrual flow is  thin, watery, pale. In these cases headache before and after menses can be there. With these prominent hair loss is present. Apart from above this medicine also helps cases where menses are suppressed from grief. 

4. Phosphorus – For Amenorrhea with Milky Discharge from Nipples

Phosphorus is a well indicated medicine for cases where periods are absent with milky discharge from nipples. Females needing it get periods very late but very profuse. They may also last for too long a duration. The menstrual bleeding is bright red. During periods they feel pain in the ovaries and also have severe backache. After periods they feel great weakness and also get smarting, burning vaginal discharges.

5. Senecio Aureus – For Amenorrhea in Young Girls

This medicine is prepared for plant Golden ragwort that belongs to family compositae. It is a prominent medicine for treating amenorrhea in young girls. They feel as if menses would appear but fail. They usually have back pain or pain in shoulders along with suppressed periods.  

6. Graphites – For Females having Tendency of Late and Scanty Menses 

This medicine is indicated when periods appear late and are scanty. It is attended with violent pain.  Menstrual blood in such cases is thick and dark, sometimes blackish. Sometimes gushing vaginal discharges can be present. When menses are suppressed, heaviness in arms and legs may be felt.

7. Conium – For Amenorrhea with Tendency of Late and Short Periods

This medicine is helpful for females in whom periods are suppressed and who generally have a tendency of late periods and also that last for a short time. Periods are also scanty in them and sometimes blood is clotted also. Further they may have pain and swelling in the breast during periods. Another complaint that they explain is small red pimples on the body during periods. After periods they have itching in vagina.

8. Oleum Jec – For Amenorrhea and Facial Hair (Hirsutism)

Oleum Jac is a very effective medicine to bring on the menses which are suppressed. It is also known to improve the menstrual blood flow. Additionally it works wonders in treating complaints of facial hair in women. Females who need it may also have soreness in ovaries. Also they may have complaints of painful periods.

9. Ignatia – For Suppressed Menses from Grief

This medicine is prepared from plant Ignatia Amara also called St. Ignatius Bean that belongs to the family loganiaceae. It is a valuable medicine for cases where menses are suppressed from grief. In addition females requiring it are sad, depressed with frequent weeping spells. In such cases it helps to bring the menstrual flow which is suppressed. 

10. Joanesia Asoca – For Suppressed and Scanty Menses

It is prepared from bark of an Indian tree Ashoka that belongs to the family caesalpinioideae. It is one of the medicines that is used since ancient times for treating menstrual troubles, amenorrhea and scanty periods. In homeopathy its use is considered for treating suppressed menses and irregular menses and scanty menses. Females who need it also suffer from headaches from suppressed menses. In case of scanty flow it is used when there is pain in lower abdomen, pain in head, back and thighs.

The term adrenal fatigue was coined by a naturopath named James Wilson in 1998. This term refers to a few groups of symptoms that mainly includes weakness, tiredness (fatigue) all the time, body aches, sleep issues (difficulty getting sleep) and nervousness. Homeopathic medicines for adrenal fatigue are very effective to manage the associated symptoms.

Though the term adrenal fatigue is often given in health books, it is not considered as a real condition and isn’t recognised as a medical diagnosis. This is because the symptoms are very general and  can appear in many other conditions. But the ones who support adrenal fatigue agree that this condition exists and arise from chronic stress.

Symptoms 

Some examples of other conditions that have adrenal fatigue like symptoms include anaemia (decrease in healthy red blood cells to supply oxygen to the body’s tissues. In this weakness appears along with some other symptoms like dizziness, headache, shortness of breath), hormonal disorders like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid when the thyroid gland  doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones), depression (a mood disorder characterised by constant sadness and loss of interest in everything) and other mental illnesses and fibromyalgia (a long term disorder characterised by widespread pain in the body are experienced along with tiredness and general fatigue. With these sleep issues, depression and brain fog can also accompany.)

In addition to tiredness, body aches and sleep issues, other signs and symptoms include unexplained weight loss, hair loss, low blood pressure, craving for salt or sugar. 

Other symptoms that can appear are depressive mood, brain fog (refers to a temporary state where a person is unable to think clearly, is confused, forgetful and is unable to focus and concentrate on anything), lightheadedness, trouble with digestion and darkness of skin colour. 

Causes 

The adrenal glands located on top of the kidneys produce hormones needed for normal functioning of the body. This gland produces cortisol which helps to cope with a stressful condition. Next it produces aldosterone that regulates sodium and potassium levels. Adrenal fatigue arises when the adrenal gland doesn’t produce enough of these hormones due to some reason. It is usually thought to arise from chronic stress when adrenal glands are overworked and get drained which make them unable to produce the hormones in an increased quantity needed in case of long standing stress. It is thought to arise in people who have long term mental or physical stress and after chronic illness like pneumonia (inflammation of alveoli means the air sacs of one or both the lungs due to infection) and bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes.)

Homeopathic Medicines for Adrenal Fatigue 

Homeopathic medicines are very effective to manage cases of adrenal fatigue symptomatically. Symptoms including weakness, body aches, sleep issues, depressive mood, hair loss, and lightheadedness can be managed well with homeopathic medicines. These homeopathic medicines used for symptomatic management are prepared from naturally occurring substances so they are free from any sort of side effects.

1. Kali Phos – Top Grade Medicine 

Kali Phos is a top listed medicine which is mainly helpful in persons who suffer from much weakness. They complain of weakness both on mental and physical spheres. Weakness prevails among them all the time. Anxiety and nervousness is also complained about by them. Sadness, irritability and low mood are other symptoms appearing with the above. They may have a history of some chronic sort of stress, worries in their lives. They may also have a history of depression. Apart from above Kali Phos is also well indicated to manage sleep issues in case of adrenal fatigue. For sleep issues it works well for sleeplessness and restless sleep. 

2. Arsenic Album – To Manage Weakness 

Arsenic Album is a very effective homeopathic medicine to manage weakness. Persons needing it feel intense weakness from doing even any sort of slightest exertion. They lack strength to do any kind of work. Restlessness is also marked in them. With this they may have weight loss. Chronic anxiety issues may be seen in most people needing Arsenic Album. 

3. Gelsemium – To Manage Complaint of Lightheadedness 

Homeopathic medicine Gelsemium is prepared from the bark of the root of plant Gelsemium Sempervirens commonly known as yellow jasmine. This plant belongs to family loganiaceae. It is very useful for managing complaints of lightheadedness. Persons needing it feel dizzy, light headed most times while they are walking. They feel drowsy and dull the whole day along with this complaint. With this they also feel tired and weak. Due to this they wish to lie down all the time. They may have brain fog with these complaints. In case of brain fog they have problems to think clearly, have confusion of mind, and also have issues with concentration.

4. Ignatia – For Managing Depressive Mood 

Homeopathic medicine Ignatia is prepared from plant Ignatia Amara. This plant belongs to family loganiaceae. It is a promising medicine for managing depressive mood in these cases. It is given to persons who remain very sad, unhappy all the time. They also have frequent weeping spells along with sadness. They may show mood swings and remain very irritable. Hopelessness is also present in them. They  get indifferent and lose interest in everything. Along with the above they suffer from sleeplessness. 

5. Natrum Mur – To Manage Long Term Depressive Mood 

Natrum Mur is another useful medicine to manage long term (chronic) depressive mood in adrenal fatigue cases. It is used when a person has intense sadness and desire to remain alone all the time. He may also have anxiety issues along with palpitations. With this he may suffer from weakness, tiredness. Craving for salt is also present. Apart from above there can be an additional problem of extreme hair loss. Lastly weight loss can be another concern with above complaints. 

6. Coffea Cruda – To Manage Sleep Issues

Coffea Cruda is  very helpful  to manage sleep issues. Its use is suggested when a person remains sleepless due to constant thoughts in mind. He remains restless with tossing in the bed. Its use is also considered where a person wakes early from sleep and can’t fall asleep again. Lastly it is indicated when a person has disturbed sleep with frequent waking episodes from sleep. 

7. Acid Phos – For Managing Weakness, Sadness 

Acid Phos is indicated for managing weakness and sadness in these cases. Both mental and physical weakness is present in cases requiring it. There may also be hair loss, weight loss with weakness. Dizziness is also there. With this sadness, weeping, and indifference to life is there. Aversion to do any sort of work is also there.

8. Rhus Tox – To Relieve Body Aches

Rhus Tox is a leading medicine to relieve body aches in these cases. Most times body aches are worse at rest and better by walking in cases needing it. Along with body aches marked anxiety and restlessness is there. Along with this stiffness in the body can also attend.

9. Arnica – For Sore Bruised Pain in Body

This medicine is prepared from the root of the plant Arnica Montana commonly known as leopard’s bane and also fallkraut. This plant belongs to family compositae. It is a beneficial medicine for managing body aches in persons who feel sore bruised pain in the body. They feel pain in the body as if it is beaten. Limbs and back are very painful in them.   

10. Bryonia – For Body Aches that Worsen from Motion

This medicine is prepared from the root of the plant Bryonia Alba commonly known as wild hops. This plant belongs to the family cucurbitaceae. It is a very suitable medicine for cases where body aches are worse from slightest motion. There is relief in the pain from absolute rest. The pain is felt in various muscles, joints and back. Along with pain the limbs feel weak and heavy. 

11. Magnesia Phos – When Body Aches are Better by Warm Applications

It is a valuable medicine for cases where body aches are better by warm applications. For using it the type of pain can be sharp, cutting, shooting or stitching in nature. It can be of severe intensity and unbearable. The pain may be a wandering type that tends to shift from one part of the body to another. In some cases the pain can also be better from pressure. Tiredness and exhausted feeling usually attends the above symptoms.

12. Phosphorus – To Manage Hair Loss

Phosphorus is a prominently indicated medicine to manage hair fall in these cases. Hair fall is abundant and hair comes out in bunches where it is required. Itching over the scalp may attend to it. Sweating on the head can be present along with above indications.

13. Fluoric Acid – For Hair Loss in Spots

This medicine is usually considered in cases to manage hair loss which is occurring in spots over a well defined area of scalp. Other than hair loss matting of the hair at the ends may be seen in cases needing it.

Bee stings are very common. They can be uncomfortable but in the majority of  cases are not serious. They cause sharp pain, redness, swelling and itching on skin at the site of sting that can be well managed by home treatment. This home treatment mainly includes quick removal of stinger, washing the affected skin area with soap and water, applying calamine lotion to soothe the itching on skin and taking a pain reliever. But people allergic to bee sting can experience severe symptoms (that can be even life threatening) that requires quick treatment. The most commonly known sting is from honeybees, but other bees like bumble bee, sweat bee and some wasps and insects can also sting. Homeopathic treatment for bee sting uses the top grade medicine Apis Mellifica as a first aid to bring down the signs and symptoms appearing on the skin.  

Bee sting arises from injection of stinger (a sharp organ present in insects like bees, wasps etc. which is connected to a sac of venom that injects venom by piercing skin) from honeybee into the skin. Barbed stinger of a honey bee penetrates into the skin when it stings. Following this the venom is released from the sac of venom attached to stinger. Major component of bee venom is melittin which damages cell membranes, causes expansion of  blood vessels, destructs red blood cells and triggers our pain receptors that cause pain.
Next, it contains protein phospholipase A2 that also causes destruction of the cell membrane, inflammation and pain.
Other than this it also contains histamines (A substance that plays a major role in many allergic reactions). Few people who are allergic to this venom or get stung multiple times, tend to experience a serious allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis requiring emergency treatment.

Symptoms 

In case of bee stings everyone reacts differently and the symptom depends upon the severity of reaction that can be mild, moderate or severe. The symptoms of mild and moderate reaction are quite similar but vary in intensity. The reaction of the body to bee sting can vary every single time a person is stung. 

In case of mild reaction from bee sting the symptoms are localized to skin. In this a person feels temporary sharp pain at the site of sting that follows soon after being stung. Along with this little swelling, redness, heat and itching appears at the skin site of sting. These signs and symptoms are harmless, temporary and go away in a few hours without any complications.

If the reaction is moderate then there appears redness at the sting site which is intense along with pain and increased swelling that tend to enlarge for a day or two. The skin area adjacent to the site of sting can be involved too. These signs and symptoms may last for a week up to 10 days.

Some people develop a severe allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis) from a bee sting. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction which turns life – threatening if not treated immediately. In cases of anaphylaxis the immune system releases certain chemicals that can make a person go into shock and prove fatal if not treated promptly. In such cases the signs and symptoms are not localised  just to skin and can involve the entire body. The signs and symptoms of severe allergic reaction to bee stings include hives, severe itching, flushed or pale skin, swelling of throat and tongue,  difficulty in breathing, a rapid pulse, sudden drop in blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, lightheadedness, dizziness and loss of consciousness. If these signs and symptoms are present then one must seek urgent help from conventional mode of treatment as it can be life threatening and fatal if not attended immediately.

Homeopathic Treatment for Bee Sting 

Homoeopathic medicines can be of great help in cases of bee stings where mild to moderate reaction has occurred which is localised just to skin. But in severe cases where a severe allergic reaction / anaphylaxis has occurred one must immediately take urgent help from conventional mode of treatment as it is a medical emergency and homeopathy can’t help such cases. In mild to moderate cases with signs and symptoms appearing only on skin homeopathic medicines are very effective to provide quick relief in the sharp, stinging, pricking pain felt on the skin at the site of sting. They are also helpful to reduce the swelling and redness at the site of sting. Additionally they help ease any associated itching or burning sensation experienced at the skin area where bee sting has happened.  

Other than this they are very effective in treating hives arising from bee sting without any other symptom of anaphylaxis. Apart from bee stings , homeopathic medicines are also beneficial for wasp stings and stings from other insects. 

1. Apis Mellifica – First Aid Remedy for Bee Sting

If any homoeopathic doctor be asked the medicine for bee sting the instant reply would be Apis Mellifica. It is highly recommended first aid medicine in homeopathy in case of bee sting. It is the most effective medicine and should be taken immediately after bee sting. It helps in aiding quick relief in the sharp pain and stinging prickling sensation at the site of sting. Further it helps to reduce the swelling and redness of skin at the sting site. Other than this it also brings relief in soreness, burning and smarting sensation that may attend in some of its cases. Itching, if present at a sting site, is also controlled well with this medicine. Next it is also indicated for urticaria / hives that may appear on skin following bee sting (note – it is only indicated for hives here and none other sign and symptom of allergic reaction anaphylaxis like breathing difficulty, rapid pulse rate, low BP, swelling of throat where prompt help from conventional system of medicine is a must). In the case of hives wheals means red raised inflamed itchy patches on skin appear. They have intense burning and stinging pain in them.  They also have intense itching which is intolerable. In most of the cases the itching is worse at night where this medicine is required. Apart from bee sting it is also a top listed medicine for sting of wasps and many other insects.

2. Urtica Urens – For External Application of Tincture on Affected Skin 

This medicine is prepared from a plant known as small stinging – nettle belonging to family urticaceae. This fresh plant in flower is used to make homeopathic medicine. Just like Apis Mellifica, this medicine gives instant, quick relief in bee sting cases. Its use is mainly recommended in form of external application of its tincture at the site of the sting. It is almost a specific medicine used externally on skin in cases of bee stings. Its application can be made in bee sting on any body surface even on the most sensitive parts of face and eyelids. 

3. Carbolic Acid – For Bee Sting with Inflamed Skin, Burning, Itching

Carbolic Acid is the next prominent medicine for bee sting. It is mainly indicated when skin is inflamed and burning itching on affected skin is marked. Pain is present with this which is pricking sticking in nature. Tingling sensation may also appear on affected skin area. 

4. Ledum Pal – For Sting of Bee and other Insects

This medicine is prepared from plant Ledum Palustre having the common name wild rosemary and marsh cistus. This plant belongs to family ericaceae. This is another useful medicine for bee stings and also for wasp sting, yellow jacket sting, stings from other insects and mosquito bites. It helps to ease the pain and reduce the redness of skin.

5. Ipecac – For External Application on Skin

This medicine is prepared from the dried root of plant Cephaelis ipecacuanha that belongs to the family rubiaceae. This is another medicine like Urtica Urens to apply locally on affected skin in tincture form in case of bee sting. It is also indicated for wasp stings and bites of other insects.

Apart from above, some other medicines that can be considered in cases of bee stings include Arnica, Hypericum, Histaminum and Natrum Mur.

Galactorrhea refers to flow of milky discharge from the nipples which is not related to normal milk secretion that appears with childbirth and breastfeeding. It is not a disease but can point towards some other health condition. Mostly it tends to occur in women between the ages group 20 to 35, but it can also appear in men, newborns and infants (babies less than 1 yr age) too. Homeopathic medicines for galactorrhea can help gradually reduce the milk flow in these cases.

Reasons 

Common causes of galactorrhea for both men and women include the following: 

Galactorrhea usually arises from excessive prolactin hormone. Prolactin is a milk hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Prolactin helps in regulating periods in non pregnant women; promoting breast growth during pregnancy and helps in lactation means production of milk for breast feeding. Excessive prolactin and galactorrhea  can occur from following reasons: 

Prolactinoma ( a benign means non – cancerous tumour that forms in the pituitary gland and leads to overproduction of the hormone prolactin.) 

In females the prolactinoma can cause galactorrhea in addition to other symptoms that includes irregular menstrual periods or absent periods; painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness, low sex drive, fertility issues, acne (pimples), excessive hair growth on the face and body.

In males, this tumour can cause low libido (low sex drive), erection issues, enlargement of breast (gynaecomastia), low sperm count, decrease in facial and body hair and galactorrhea though it is rare. 

Headaches, visual disturbance and low bone density can occur in both males and females from prolactinoma.

Side effects of certain medicines can lead to galactorrhea. This some antidepressant (eg, paroxetine), antipsychotics like risperidone and high blood pressure medicine (eg methyl dopa); using opioid medicines (like fentanyl.)

Underactive Thyroid (hypothyroidism)

Use of herbal supplements like fenugreek, fennel seeds; 

Some medical conditions including chronic kidney disease; some types of lung cancer, liver disorder like cirrhosis

Stress

Chest wall injuries / surgeries.

In some cases no cause can be ruled out behind galactorrhea, such cases are referred to as idiopathic galactorrhea (it may be arising from increased sensitivity of  breast tissue  to prolactin hormone in the blood. In case the sensitivity is high galactorrhea can occur even when prolactin level in blood lies within normal range.)

In women

In women other than above causes taking birth control pills (oral contraceptive pills) can be another cause for galactorrhea. This can arise from imbalance of hormones caused by these birth control pills. It can also happen from excessive breast stimulation during sexual activity or from self examining of breast at very small intervals and nipple manipulation.

In men

In men, it can arise from low  testosterone apart from above reasons. It remains the common reason behind galactorrhea in males. This also results in breast enlargement in males (gynaecomastia). When this is the cause they may also experience erectile dysfunction and decrease sexual desire in them.

In newborns

Galactorrhea can occur in newborns too. This tends to happen from increased oestrogen levels in the mother that can enter the placenta and get into the baby’s blood before birth. It can also lead to enlarged breast in babies and also milky nipple discharge.

Signs and Symptoms 

The main sign of galactorrhea is a discharge of white  milky fluid from the nipple. It can be constant or appears at some intervals and can be slight or heavy flow. In some cases it tends to come out itself and in others on pressing the nipple. Either one or both the breasts can be affected in this. Other associated symptoms that can arise include irregular menstrual cycle, headaches or vision problems.

Homeopathic Medicines for Galactorrhea

Homeopathy offers very natural and effective treatment for cases of galactorrhea. These medicines bring excellent results in these cases by working towards regulating the hormonal levels in the body which is the main reason behind galactorrhea. They also help in treating any associated menstrual irregularities when present in any case. These medicines being of natural origin are very safe to use among females of all age groups. 

1. Pulsatilla – Top grade medicine for galactorrhea cases

Pulsatilla is a natural medicine prepared from plant Pulsatilla Nigricans commonly known as wind flower and pasque flower. This entire fresh plant when in flower is used to prepare homeopathic medicine. This plant belongs to family ranunculaceae. It is a top listed medicine for treating cases of galactorrhea. Its use is indicated when non pregnant females have milk in breast along with marked fullness of breast. The females needing it may also have menstrual irregularities along with this. The menses can occur too late or too early in them. The menstrual flow also varies from scanty to profuse. The menstrual blood can be thick, clotted or thin and can be black coloured. It is a top listed medicine to treat cases where milk like fluid starts to flow from the breasts of girls before puberty.

2. Asafoetida – For Galactorrhea with Congested Breast

This medicine is prepared from gum resin obtained by incision from the living root of Asafoetida plant. This plant belongs to the family umbelliferae. This is a very helpful medicine when there is milk secretion in a non pregnant woman. Along with this the breasts are congested and distended.

3. Merc Sol – For Milk Fluid Secretion during Menses

Merc Sol is a prominently indicated medicine for females who are full breast with milk during menses. They also have pain in the breast with this. Sometimes they have milk in the breast instead of menses. It is one of the leading medicines for galactorrhea in females during puberty. Apart from above it is also indicated for boys who complain of galactorrhea.

4. Cyclamen – When Milk Flow Occurs after Menses

Cyclamen is a natural medicine prepared from the root of plant Cyclamen Europaeum commonly known as sow – bread. This plant belongs to family primulaceae. The indicating feature to use it is milk in non pregnant females after menses. Along with this the breast is also swollen. In some cases the breast is painful, hard having a stitching sensation in it along with discharge of milky fluid. In some cases needing it menstrual irregularities may be present. This can be attended with headache, blindness or fiery spots before the eyes.

5. Borax – When Milk is Thick in Galactorrhea

It is the next well indicated medicine to treat cases of galactorrhea. Its use is suggested when the discharged milk is too thick. It is also very profuse. Females needing it may also have low sex drive. Apart from above infertility issues may also be present in females who require it.

6. Belladonna – For Heaviness and Hardness of Breast

Belladonna is a natural medicine prepared from a plant named Deadly Nightshade. This plant belongs to family solanaceae. It is also a beneficial medicine when the milk fills in the breasts of females who are not pregnant. The milk starts flowing out of the breast in copious amounts. Along with this, there is heaviness and hardness of breast. 

7. Lycopodium – Natural Medicine for Galactorrhea

This medicine is prepared from plant Lycopodium Clavatum commonly known as club moss. This plant belongs to family lycopodiaceae. It is another excellent medicine for cases of milk discharge from nipples in non lactating females. Additionally they may have tendency to have late periods. Another complaint that they may have is low libido ( decrease desire for sex). Lastly they can have dryness of vagina that lead to painful intercourse.

8. Phosphorus – For Amenorrhoea (absent periods)

The main indicating feature to use Phosphorus is absent periods with milk in breast of non pregnant women. Females who require it may also have tendency to late periods but with very copious flow. The menses may also last for long period of time in them.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by excessive weight loss, fear of gaining weight and becoming fat and desire to be thin. People having this aim on controlling their weight and body shape. To do this they follow food restrictions by eating only certain kinds of food, small quantities of food and keeping a strict check on their calorie intake. Homeopathic medicines for anorexia nervosa can help regain normal eating habits, improve weight, and can also help in recovering from its physical and emotional effects. 

People affected by this disorder may exercise aggressively. They may even forcibly vomit after eating or use laxative (substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements) or enemas (injection of fluid into the rectum, to stimulate stool evacuation) to empty the bowels quickly to avoid weight gain. They always feel that they are overweight and fat even after losing so much weight and being underweight. 

Homeopathic Medicines for Anorexia Nervosa

Homeopathy is very beneficial to help cases of anorexia nervosa. Use of a well selected constitutional homeopathic medicine can help in recovering from this condition. These medicines bring excellent improvement by working on a deep psychological level. They bring a balance in the brain and help in removing obsessive compulsive thoughts, fears that are restricting a person to avoid food. These medicines are effective for mild to moderate cases. In severe cases with complications and irreversible damage to body organs should be treated under conventional mode of treatment as they can be fatal.

1. Natrum Mur – For very thin people with Excessive Weight Loss

It is especially suited to persons who have excessive weight loss and look thin, particularly in the neck area. They are over sensitive, tend to have depressed moods and tend to withdraw socially. They have weakness and get easily tired. Their skin is dry and their limbs remain cold. They are also anaemic. Hair fall is another complaint present in them. There may be mental trauma going in their lives like some grief from the death of a loved one or they may be going through a phase of broken relationships. Females needing it may xperience absence of periods and reduced sexual desires.

2. Arsenic Album – For Anxious Personalities or those with Obsessive Compulsive Traits

This medicine mainly is suitable for persons having anxious personalities or those having obsessive compulsive traits. They have fixed ideas and have a nature of complaining about things to people near them. They mainly have rapid weight loss, anaemia and extreme weakness. They feel exhausted even after slight exertion. Excessive restlessness is also present among them. They have an aversion to eating sweets and fats. With the above symptoms they have a dry, rough skin. 

3. China – For Thin, Anaemic People

This medicine is indicated for persons who look very thin and are anaemic. Their complexion appears pale, yellow and skin is dry. They suffer from intense weakness. Their hands and feet remain cold.  Along with above they suffer from gastric issues mainly bloated abdomen and pain in abdomen.

4.  Alfalfa – To Improve Appetite

Its use is considered to improve appetite where a person has aversion to all kinds of food. It also helps to promote weight gain when a person is very thin. It is also beneficial to improve mental and physical weakness and also muscle weakness. 

5. Ignatia – suited to people having Sensitive, nervous nature

This medicine is indicated for persons having sensitive, nervous personalities. They may have some sort of depression or mood disorder. They may also have some form of emotional shock, grief, worry or major disappointment in their life. They might be frustrated. They have a depressed mood, remain unhappy, sad, irritable and face issues of sleeplessness. They do not wish to go out, withdraw socially and prefer to be alone. They carry a low self esteem. They become overly concerned about their outlook and appearance. They strive for perfection and are harsh on themselves to maintain an ideal body weight and image.

6. Kali Phos – For People who are Sensitive and Overstressed

It is a preferred medicine for sensitive, irritable, overstressed people having a lot of stress in their lives. They are very thin. They feel very weak and tired all the time. The weakness is present both on the mental and physical plane. They lack energy to do anything and experience muscle weakness. Their mind remains dull, mood remains sad, depressed and memory weakens. They face a major concern of sleeplessness along with above complaints. 

7. Phosphorus – For Weak People with Anaemia

It suits nervous, weak people with anaemia. They have intense weakness, sometimes fainting spells. Hair fall is a main complaint they have. Their bones are also weak, fragile and prone to break easily (osteoporosis.)

8. Sepia – For Weakness and Fainting

It is most suited to women having weakness and easy fainting. They have yellow looking skin and face appear old wrinkled. They feel extremely cold even in a warm room. They remain depressed, have aversion to work, are highly irritable and get easily offended. They also have low libido means reduced desire for sex.

9. Phosphoric Acid – For Weight Loss and Weakness

It is beneficial when weight loss and excessive weakness are marked. There is intense fatigue, debility and tiredness. The person needing it is thin with dark circles around the eyes and has a sunken face. They may have a history of some grief. Other symptoms are slowness of mind, dull mind, lack of emotions, difficulty in concentration, forgetfulness. They also face complaints of hair loss.

Causes

The exact reason behind anorexia nervosa is not known yet. However certain factors including biological, environmental and psychological factors are thought to be involved in developing this disorder.

Biological: Genetics is thought to play a role in developing it as it tends to run in families, but the exact genes that are involved are not known. Changes in certain hormones which control the mood, appetite, hunger, thinking are also linked with development of this disorder. Other than this, a chemical called serotonin produced in the brain is suggested to play a role in it.   

Environmental: Society and peer pressure to look thin as it is a sign of beauty may also influence a person to develop this condition. Other than these, pictures of body images from media, television, fashion industry that depict beauty in thinness can also impact a person’s mind and influence them to be thin and contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa. 

Psychological: People having OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) are at risk because sticking to a strict diet is easier for them. Persons having a mood disorder, depression, anxiety disorder are also at risk .

Risk Factors 

Though both men and women can develop it, women are 10 times more at risk than men for developing anorexia.

It is common in teenagers and young adults though it can affect people of any age group. It rarely affects people above 40 years of age. Teens are at risk because due to hormonal changes at this age their body is going through a lot of changes and at the same time they may be sensitive to others’ opinion about them and some may not be able to take up any comment about their body shape and weight from others.

People having a family history of anorexia nervosa are at high risk of developing the same.

People going through some major stressful event in life like relationship breakup, death of a family member or someone close,  unemployment, change of job / school, some major family problem are at risk to develop it. When life gets out of control for them they may seek ways to control their lives. They may then develop anorexia nervosa as a way to have a control on some area of their life. This achievement gives them a feeling of success.

History of being bullied or teased about body weight, physical, sexual / emotional  abuse

People having certain personality traits and emotions like striving for perfection, following strict rules and regulations, sensitive to criticism regarding them, prone to anxiety, depression and difficulty in handling stress are predisposed to develop it

Another factor is dieting. When a person starts dieting and begins losing weight, the lack of nutrients cause the brain to bring about mood changes, rigid thinking, obsessive thoughts, restrictive eating linked with anorexia nervosa 

Symptoms

Physical symptoms

The major sign is excessive weight loss and looking very thin. People with this disorder experience weakness, fatigue, and lack of energy. They may have low blood pressure or feel dizzy, sometimes fainting and have an inability to tolerate cold. Their skin looks yellow, pale, it’s dry and covered with soft, fine hair (lanugo), the fingers may have blue discolouration. Their hair may become thin, breaks easily or fall out and the nails may get dry, brittle. They face complaints of sleeplessness (insomnia), concentration difficulties. Additionally constipation, abdomen pain, stomach cramps, can arise. In females periods may be absent for months together. Rest of its symptoms are swollen arms / legs, dehydration discoloured / eroded teeth, tooth decay from induced vomiting, muscle weakness and low immunity.

Emotional and behavioural symptoms

People having it skip meals or eat little amounts of specific food low in calories even when they are very thin and have low weight. They deny hunger, refuse to eat, make excuses for not eating or lie about the quantity of food eaten. They tend to avoid eating in public. They may eat food in a particular sequence,  excessively chew food or spit food after chewing. They feel fat even when they are underweight or feel as if some body parts are too fat. They have fear of getting fat and gaining weight and they keep checking body looks in the mirror and weighing, measuring themselves frequently. They cover themselves in layers of clothing to hide weight loss from others and remain warm or wear loose clothing to hide weight loss. They may exercise excessively, use laxatives or diuretics. They may lack emotion, have depressed mood, withdraws from social activities and tend to have low libido (decrease of interest in sex.)

Complications

The complications include loss of bone mass (osteoporosis), increased risk of fractures, anaemia (low number of  healthy red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen to body tissues), loss of muscle mass, electrolyte imbalance like sodium, potassium and calcium. It can also cause hormonal problems (Lower levels of growth hormones, low testosterone in males ), gastric troubles (like constipation, bloating), kidney problems and heart problems (low heart rate, damage to heart muscle, irregularity of heart rhythms or heart failure.) Persons may have suicidal thoughts or also indulge in self harming activities or attempts to suicide attempts.

If it turns severe then the brain, heart and kidneys may be damaged and such changes can not be reversed. It can be fatal, and death can occur in the most severe cases from abnormal heart rhythms or an imbalance of electrolytes.

Smell and taste disorders are conditions that lead to decrease, absence or distortion in the sense of smell and taste. Smell and taste disorders can be frustrating because they affect a person’s ability to enjoy fragrances and enjoy food/drink. Both smell and taste disorders affect quality of life. Homeopathic medicines for smell and taste disorders that are suitable for a given case are selected on the basis of the prominent, characteristic symptoms of a person following a detailed case analysis.

Smell disorders may have serious consequences sometimes because they make a person unable to detect smell in case there is any gas leakage, fire or if the food is decayed. Loss of smell or taste can lead to decrease of interest in eating which can cause weight loss and malnutrition. 

Homeopathic Medicines for Smell and Taste Disorders

Natural homeopathic remedies for smell and taste disorders can prove to be highly effective. These medicines manage such disorders in a very effective manner. They aim at correcting the root cause behind it to bring excellent results. The extent to which these medicines help depends upon the duration and intensity of the complaint.   

For Decreased Power of Smell or Complete Loss of Smell

1. Natrum Mur – For Cases of Cold, Nasal Allergies

Natrum Mur is a leading medicine for managing cases with reduced smell or loss of smell from cold, nasal allergies. People needing it have a history of severe colds with clear white  copious nasal discharge. With this, violent and frequent sneezing is complained about. Sometimes they have alternate fluent nasal discharge with nasal stoppage. In most cases loss of taste is complained along with loss of smell where this medicine is indicated.

2. Pulsatilla – From Recurrent Cold

This is another suitable medicine to manage reduced / loss of smell. In persons needing it, a tendency of recurrent colds may be present.  Most times they have thick yellowish, greenish nasal discharges. These discharges can have an offensive odour. Their nose feels blocked in the evening. Most times they have loss of taste and appetite too along with smell loss.

3. Calcarea Carb – Due to Nasal Polyps and Frequent Cold

It is a well-indicated medicine for cases of loss of smell from nasal polyps. Along with polyps a tendency to have frequent colds is also present in persons needing this medicine. They may have alternate nasal dryness and blocked nose with yellow offensive mucus. They may also have ulceration or scabs in the nostrils. 

4. Teucrium – From Nasal Polyps 

This medicine like Calcarea Carb is well indicated for cases of decreased or loss of smell from nasal polyps. The symptoms that are present along with smell loss are stoppage of nostrils, crawling sensation in nostrils, discharge of green scabs from the nostrils.

5. Silicea – For Cases of Chronic Cold and Sinusitis

It is the next beneficial medicine for cases of diminished or loss of smell. Persons needing it usually have a tendency of chronic cold and also sinus inflammation / infection. The symptoms that they frequently have along with smell loss includes complete stoppage of nose, sore scabs in nostrils,  fetid offensive green or yellow pus like nasal discharge and pain in forehead. They also have loss of taste along with smell loss.

For Foul Smell from the Nose

1. Kali Bichrome – In Cases of Inflamed Mucus Membrane of Nose and Sinus

Kali Bichrome is a very useful medicine for cases having putrid smell from the nose. In such cases chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of nose and sinus is usually present. For using it the symptoms other than putrid smell are dryness of nose, blockage of nose, pressure in root of nose and tough ropy discharges dripping from back of nostrils into the throat.

2. Lemna Minor – For Cases with Nasal Polyps 

This medicine is most helpful for foul smell in the nose, in the presence of nasal polyps. There may be presence of nasal polyps in cases requiring it. Other than foul smell the symptoms to look for using it are stopped nose, discharge of a crust / pus like discharge from nose and frequent sneezing attacks.

3. Graphites – For Foul Smell like Burnt Hair 

Graphites is an excellent medicine to treat cases in which a person experiences a bad smell from the nose, as from burnt hair. They also have discharge of thick, yellowish, offensive mucus from nose  and stoppage of nose. They may also have hard masses, dry scabs or crusts in the nostrils.

For Increased Sensitivity to Smell

1. Phosphorus – For Increased Sensitivity to Smell (Especially Flowers)

It is a top grade medicine for cases where the sensitivity to smell is increased. Persons needing it may particularly have a very heightened sense for the smell of flowers which can even cause fainting in them. In them there may be long standing inflammation of the nasal membrane. Along with this sneezing may also be present. There can be fluent nasal discharges alternating with nasal blockage. Apart from above it is an excellent medicine where nasal polyps are present especially the ones that bleed easily.

2. Hepar Sulph – When Vertigo Appears with Increased Smell Sensitivity

It is the next well indicated medicine to treat cases with high sensitivity to smell. Along with this vertigo may be present. Few other attending symptoms are nasal stoppage in morning and thick pus like discharge from the nose that can be sometimes blood tinged.

3. Colchicum – For High Sensitivity to Smell mainly of Cooking Food

This medicine is also of much help when a person has increased sense of smelling. He is mostly highly sensitive to the smell of cooking. Additionally he may have sneezing and crawling in the nose. With this he can complain of long lasting nasal discharges that are thin. 

For Reduced Sense of Taste and Loss of Taste

1. Antimonium Crudum – For Reduced Sense of Taste

This medicine is significant to treat cases having lowered sense of taste. A peculiar symptom that attends is thick, milky white coating on the tongue. With this the  borders of the tongue may be red and the mouth can be dry.

2. Borax – For Complete Loss of Taste 

Borax is the next important medicine to manage this condition. It is indicated when  a person doesn’t get any taste of food. Additionally he may have oral thrush (fungal growth in mouth). The main  symptoms that he has are white fungal patches in mouth, heat in mouth, tenderness in mouth and dry cracked tongue.

3. Bryonia – For Loss of Taste with Dry Mouth

This medicine is helpful for persons who have loss of taste for food. But when they are not eating their mouth feels bitter. A characteristic symptom with this is great dryness of tongue, mouth and lips. The tongue may also be cracked.

Loss of Sense of Smell and Taste Occurring Together

1. Natrum Mur – In Case of Cold or Nasal Allergies

This medicine is highly valuable for persons who have loss of smell as well as taste. Both food and drink feels tasteless to them. They usually suffer from cold or nasal allergies. The symptoms they suffer from in this condition are sneezing and fluent nasal discharges.

2. Pulsatilla – From Long Standing Cold

This medicine works well when there is reduction / loss of taste and smell with loss of appetite. In cases where it is indicated, sense of taste is diminished for every kind of food. Prominently long term cold is present with this. Here thick, yellow or greenish nasal discharge with offensive smell is the key symptom.

For Bad Taste in Mouth

1. Nux Vomica – For Bad Taste, Especially in Morning

Nux Vomica offers great help in cases presenting with bad taste in mouth. Most people needing it feel that it is most prominent in the morning.  They may also feel a sour taste in their mouths after eating or drinking. Another symptom they have is altered taste especially for coffee, milk and water. Their tongue may be inflamed. They can have needle-like piercing pain on the edges of the tongue.

2. Carbo Veg – For Bad Taste and Offensive Smell from Mouth

This medicine is beneficial for cases having foul taste and offensive odour from mouth. With this the appetite is lost. In many cases requiring it, gum inflammation can be present. Here the gums are swollen, painful, sensitive and bleed often.

3. Belladonna – For Offensive Taste when Eating or Drinking

This medicine is useful for someone having offensive taste in mouth when eating or drinking though food and drink have proper taste. The tongue is clean with this. Heat or burning sensation in the mouth can accompany this.

For Unusual Taste in Mouth

1. Merc Sol – For Metallic Taste in Mouth

It is a leading medicine to manage cases presenting with metallic taste in the mouth. Tongue can be inflamed, with intense redness, severe pain and burning sensation. The salivation mostly is increased with these symptoms. Bad smell from the mouth can appear. In some cases needing it, fungal infection in the mouth or inflammation of the gums may be present.

2. Cuprum Met – For Coppery Taste in Mouth

This medicine is indicated when there is specific coppery taste in the mouth. Along with this all food tastes like clear water. Tongues can be inflamed from a long time and be accompanied by profuse saliva.

3. Arsenic Album – For Bitter Taste in Mouth

It is given when there is bitter taste in the mouth. This appears usually after eating or drinking. A burning sensation in the mouth frequently attends these symptoms.

4. Calcarea Carb – For Sour Taste in Mouth

This medicine is used when there is sour taste in the mouth. Great dryness and heat in the mouth can arise with this.

5. Lycopodium – For heightened Sense of Taste

For managing cases with increase sense of taste, the most prominent medicine is Lycopodium. White coating on tongue, dryness of mouth and tongue with putrid smell are the main symptoms.

 For Heightened Sense of Taste

For managing cases with an increased sense of taste, the most prominent medicine is Lycopodium. In cases needing it white coating on the tongue can be present. Dryness of mouth and tongue with putrid smell are other attending symptoms to this.

Smell Disorders

A person is able to smell due to smell receptors present in the nose. The microscopic odor molecules released from substances like from cooking food, flowers stimulate these receptors. From here messages go to the brain, which helps us recognize smell. If these receptors are blocked or damaged then it will lead to smell disorders.

Symptoms

The symptoms depend on the different types of smell disorders described as follows:

1. Hyposmia – A decreased ability to detect odours or partial loss of sense of smell.
2. Anosmia – A complete inability to smell or total loss of sense of smell is there.
3. Parosmia -When there is a change in the normal perception of odours. In this, the odour of familiar substances is distorted and it smells different from what was previously remembered (like something pleasant starts smelling foul now.)
4. Phantosmia – This is when a person smells an odour (mainly foul, burnt, spoiled, putrid) that isn’t actually present. 
5. Hyperosmia – It refers to an increased sensitivity to smell.

Causes

The  common causes of smell disorders includes Common cold or flu, nasal Allergy / hay fever, nasal polyps, sinus inflammation / infection, nasal congestion / blockage and any sort of upper respiratory infection (whether bacterial or viral). Next to this tumours in nasal cavity, any injury or trauma to nose, head injury especially if it involves frontal lobes of the brain and radiation treatment to the head for cancer can lead to smell disorders. 

Other than this certain medications (like nasal decongestants if used for long time some common antibiotics and antihistamines, high blood pressure medication), smoking, hormonal disturbance, any circulatory illness that diminishes blood flow to nasal tissue, exposure to insecticides or other chemicals can cause this. 

Smell disorders can also be present in some medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (a nervous system disorder characterised by rest tremor, slowed movement, rigidity of muscles, impaired posture and balance, speech changes. In this disorder sometime problems with smell can arise), epilepsy (a brain disorder  causing recurrent seizures characterised by unusual behaviour, movements and sometimes loss of consciousness) and schizophrenia (serious mental disorder in which reality is interpreted abnormally and the sufferer has hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking and behaviour). 

It can be congenital too, which means that some people may be born with it. Sense of smell may also become less sharp as you age.  Sometimes it is idiopathic where no cause is found.

Taste Disorders

The taste buds on the tongue and mouth carry taste receptors that help to identify taste. When we eat or drink something tiny molecules released from it stimulate taste receptors. These receptors then send messages to the brain which helps us to identify tastes. Smell and taste are closely interlinked with each other and the taste of the food is also influenced by the smell of the food. The aromas released on chewing food stimulate sensory cells of smell through a channel that connects the roof of the throat to the back of the nose which help us distinguish different flavours. If this channel is blocked, like from stuffy nose due to cold then it prevents odours from reaching sensory cells of the nose. Due to the lack of smell, the food tastes bland  and feels it has no flavour. This is why some people who think they have loss of taste have actually lost their sense of smell instead.

Symptoms

The symptoms of taste disorders are described as per the type given below:

1. Hypogeusia – It presents with reduced ability of sense of taste
2. Ageusia – In this, a person has complete  inability to detect any taste. It is rare and many times people having loss of taste actually have lost their smell.
3. Dysgeusia also called parageusia – In this an unusual unpleasant taste like a foul,  metallic, salty, rancid taste persists in the mouth. It can be accompanied by a painful burning sensation in the mouth. In this type a person can also perceive the wrong taste of food; like eating an ice cream may have a salty, bitter or metallic taste. It also includes change in taste in which foods taste differently than it previously used to be like something starts  to taste  bad which previously used to be pleasant to taste.
4. Phantom Taste Perception – In this type a bad unpleasant taste lingers in mouth even though there is nothing in the mouth.
5. Hypergeusia -It refers to heightened sense of taste.

Causes

It can arise from cold, nasal allergies, nasal blockage and upper respiratory tract infection. Secondly it can arise from poor oral hygiene, dental issues, gum inflammation (gingivitis), burns to the tongue, sjogren’s syndrome (autoimmune disorder characterised by dry mouth and dry eyes), salivary gland infection and oral thrush (fungal infection in mouth). 

Next, it can follow some surgeries on the ear, nose, and throat, a head injury, radiation treatment for treating cancer of head and neck. Other reasons for this include smoking, certain medicines (like some antihistamines and antibiotics), exposure to insecticides and some chemicals,  nutritional deficiencies (like vitamin B12 and Zinc). It can also be congenital means present since birth. It can appear in people with advancing age.

Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland (also called the master gland) which is situated at the base of the brain. Prolactin is also known as lactogenic hormone or milk hormone. The prolactin levels are considered high when they exceed the normal levels in blood of non pregnant females, non breastfeeding females and males. The medical term for this rise of prolactin levels is  hyperprolactinemia. Homeopathic remedies for high prolactin focus on treating the root cause leading to high prolactin levels and regulating the hormone to bring it to a  normal range. Both men and women usually have small amounts of prolactin in their blood.  

Prolactin plays a role in regulating periods in non-pregnant women. In women, prolactin levels normally increase during pregnancy and nursing. This helps in breast growth during pregnancy and production of milk after delivery for breast feeding the baby. Increase of prolactin is normal during pregnancy and breastfeeding but sometimes it can occur in non pregnant women or even in men due to other causes.

Homeopathic Remedies for High Prolactin 

Homoeopathic medicines carry a great scope to manage complaints that arise from high prolactin levels in males and females. These medicines focus to treat the root cause behind high prolactin levels to bring recovery in its complaint and also the prolactin levels in normal range. These medicines being of natural origin are perfectly safe to use, and have no side effects. These medicines can help both females and males having high prolactin levels.

For Irregular Periods and Amenorrhoea

1. Sepia

It is a very effective medicine for cases of irregular periods. Symptoms to use this medicine are late periods, sometimes appearing at a gap of three to four months. They are also scanty. Before periods, pain in the abdomen and back may appear. During periods there may be chilliness and sometimes fainting. Sometimes there appears vaginal discharge (leucorrhea) in place of menses. A peculiar symptom that may be present is a bearing down sensation in the pelvis as if the womb would force itself out of vagina.

2. Pulsatilla

This medicine is prepared from plant Pulsatilla Nigricans commonly known as Wind Flower. This plant belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. It is very beneficial for irregular periods and absence of periods. The menses are late and scanty where it is required. The menstrual flow also lasts for too short a time. The menstrual blood may be of a dark or blackish colour. During menses there may appear pain in abdomen and back, sometimes nausea and vomiting, headache and vision dimness. 

For Infertility

Cases of infertility can also be treated with homeopathic medicines. Among various medicines used in homeopathy to treat infertility the top grade medicines are Sepia, Natrum Mur, Borax, Conium and Calcarea Carb. The best suited medicine among them is selected after thorough case analysis. 

When Non Pregnant/Nursing Women have Milk Production (Galactorrhea)

1. Asafoetida

It is prepared from gum resin obtained by incision of the living root of plant Narthex Asafoetida. This plant belongs to the family umbelliferae. It is well-indicated when there is milk production in non-pregnant females. With this the breast is congested, distended and swollen. 

2. Cyclamen

This medicine is prepared from the root of the plant Cyclamen Europaeum commonly known as sow-bread. This plant belongs to the family Primulaceae. It is useful for non-pregnant females who have discharge of milk from their breasts. Swelling in breasts and a hard, tensed sensation with pain may appear.  Stitches may be felt in the breast. Mostly there is breast swelling with milk secretion after menses.

3. Pulsatilla

It is helpful when there is milk discharge from the breasts of girls before puberty. The breast gets fuller with production of milk which is thin white. The breasts are swollen with this. There is a pressing sensation and tension in the breast.

For Low Libido 

1. Sepia

It is a top listed medicine when there is decrease desire for sex in females. There is irritability even on thoughts of sex. The vagina feels dry and there may be pain during intercourse.

2. Lyssin

It is indicated when there is dislike for sexual intercourse following childbirth. Females needing it also have sensitive vaginas and complain of painful intercourse.

3. Onosmodium

Onosmodium is prepared from plant Onosmodium virginianum having the common name False Gromwell. This plant belongs to the family Boraginaceae. Its use is considered when sexual desire is completely lost in females.

For Dry Vagina and Painful Intercourse

1. Sepia

It is an excellent medicine for females who have a dry vagina and pain during intercourse. The sexual parts are also tender to touch, there is exhaustion after intercourse, and in some cases, bleeding. Sexual desire also tends to be low. 

2. Natrum Mur

It is also a prominent medicine for complaints of vaginal dryness and painful intercourse in females. With this burning and smarting sensation in vagina may also be present. The vagina is sore.  

For Breast Pain / Tenderness

1. Conium

Its use is mainly recommended when there is pain in the breast before and during periods. The pain worsens from least to jar and on walking. Stitches are felt in the breast. The breast feels swollen and sore.

2. Lac Can

It is indicated when there is pain in the breast with soreness and sensitivity to least pressure. A dull, constant, aching pain is felt in the breast and also engorgement of breasts may also occur. 

For Hot Flashes

1. Sepia

It gives wonderful results in cases of hot flashes. Females needing this experience sweating with hot flashes, weakness. There is also a tendency to faint.

2. Lachesis

It is also highly useful in the cases of hot flashes. There is marked heat on the top of the head. With this there may be palpitations, headaches and fainting spells.

3. Amylenum Nitrosum

It is considered when there are heat flashes in females which are followed by drenching sweats. Anxiety and palpitations are marked with this.

For Acne (Pimples)

1. Hepar Sulph

It is best suited for acne that has pus in it. The acne is painful where it is required. The pain is like prickling pain. The acne may also bleed easily.

2. Kali Bromatum

It is given in cases of acne that appear on face, shoulders and chest. The acne is itchy in these cases. They also leave scars on the skin. The acne gets worse before menses begin.

For Excessive Body and Facial Hair 

To manage this complaint the top listed medicines in homeopathy are Sepia, Oleum Jac and Thuja.

Homeopathic Remedies for High Prolactin Levels in Males 

For Low Libido 

1. Agnus Castus

This medicine is prepared from ripe berries of the plant The Chaste Tree belonging to the family Verbenaceae. It is well-indicated when males have decreased or almost complete absence of sexual desire. With this they may also have weak or no erections.

2. Nuphar Luteum

It is prepared from the fresh root of plant Yellow Pond Lily of family Nymphaeaceae.  It is very useful for males in whom sexual desire is completely absent.

3. Yohimbinum

This medicine is prepared from the bark of the Yumbe Hoa tree of the family Rubiaceae. It is another prominent medicine that act as a great aphrodisiac to boost sex drive in males and treat sexual weakness.

For Erectile Dysfunction

1. Agnus Castus

It is very effective when there are no erections and loss of sexual desire. The penis remains relaxed, flaccid and cold.

2. Caladium

It is prepared from the plant Caladium seguinum also called Arum Seguinum. This plant belongs to family Araceae. It is used when sexual desire is present but there are no erections. The penis remains relaxed despite sexual desire.

3. Lycopodium

This medicine is prepared from plant Lycopodium Clavatum commonly called Club Moss of family Lycopodiaceae. Its use is considered when the erections are weak and not perfect. There is also the complaint of premature ejaculation in males.

For Low Sperm Count

To help such cases, the top grade medicines are X-ray, Radium Bromatum and Agnus Castus.

Causes 

There are various causes for high prolactin levels.

1. The most common cause for elevated prolactin levels is a benign (I.e. non cancerous) tumour in the pituitary gland known as a prolactinoma which secretes excessive prolactin. Prolactinomas are more common in women as compared to men. As per a study about 50 percent of hyperprolactinemia cases are caused by prolactinomas
2. Second reason that can cause high levels of prolactin is diseases  (like infection, injury, tumour) of hypothalamus (small region of the brain located near the pituitary gland) 
3. Next causes for it include hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid gland which does not produce enough thyroid hormone), low blood sugar levels, anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder in which a person has excessive weight loss and there is fear of gaining weight and becoming fat) chronic kidney failure, cushing’s disease (a condition characterised by excessive release of adrenocorticotropic hormone, ACTH by the pituitary gland) and cirrhosis of liver (scarring of liver)
4. It can arise from use of certain medicines. These include antidepressants like clomipramine and desipramine, antipsychotics like haldol, risperdal, antihypertensives that control high blood pressure like Verelan, isoptin, acid H2 blockers like, birth control pills, opiate medicine used to relieve pain derived from opium.
5. Excessive use of certain herbs like fenugreek, fennel seeds.
6. Injuries or irritation of the chest wall (like from some surgical scar, shingles / herpes zoster). 
7. Extreme stress or exercise.
8. Sometimes no cause is found behind hyperprolactinemia.

Normal Range of Prolactin Levels

1. The normal range of prolactin in women who are not pregnant is less than 25 ng/mL.
2. The normal range of prolactin in women who are pregnant is between 34 – 386 ng/mL.
3. The normal range of prolactin in men is between 2 – 18 ng/mL.

Symptoms

Some females may have no symptoms from high prolactin. While in others symptoms can appear that vary from one female to another. It can lead to irregular periods, missed periods / having no periods (amenorrhoea), infrequent periods and change in menstrual flow. 

There can be a stoppage of ovulation from high prolactin leading to infertility. Next it can cause milk production in women who are not pregnant or not nursing medically called as galactorrhea, low libido (reduced interest in having sex) and dryness of vagina that can cause painful intercourse. 

Other symptoms include breast pain / tenderness, hot flashes, acne (pimples) and excessive body hair and unnatural growth of facial hair.

In men the symptoms of hyperprolactinaemia are low libido (reduced desire for sex), erectile dysfunction (in this a man is unable to achieve or maintain erection required for sexual intercourse), enlargement of breast (gynaecomastia) and rarely breast milk production. Other complaints that appear in them include decreased muscle mass, lack of body and facial hair, and low sperm count or zero sperm count.

Headaches and eye problems in case of pituitary tumours can appear in both males and females in addition to above symptoms.