Homeopathy for ovarian cysts
In an interview in the Daily Telegraph on 22nd June 2009, Annabel Croft described how "her life has been transformed by homeopathy"1. She had a cyst in her left ovary that caused pain and became convinced that the "homeopathic remedies she took enhanced and perhaps speeded up the healing process", as the cyst gradually became less painful. It is reported that she never went back to her GP.
Gynaecologist John Guillebaud, Emeritus Professor of Family Planning and Reproductive Health at University College London, responds here and in a letter submitted to the Daily Telegraph:
"The newspaper reports Annabel Croft's passion for homeopathy following a "remedy made up exactly to treat my left ovary", in which she had developed a cyst. Ms Croft explained that her homeopath constructed a picture of her without performing a physical examination. A responsible report would have emphasised that gynaecologists advise against homeopathy in the treatment of ovarian cysts. Some cysts, even if they have caused severe pain, can just clear up without further intervention, which may be why the homeopathy appeared to work. But in some cases they can be cancerous, so reliance on homeopathy could lead to a dangerous delay in obtaining treatment that is effective."
1 Annabel Croft: Why I have come to rely on homeopathic medicine, Daily Telegraph
Last updated: June 23 2009