PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

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Good Morning!

 

PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

 

PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome) is an endocrine disorder that is

the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age and

is a leading cause of infertility. It occurs among all races and

nationalities. The primary features are lack of regular ovulation and

irregular or absent periods. There is also an excessive amounts or

effects of androgenic hormones. The symptoms and severity of the

syndrome vary greatly between women. While the causes are unknown,

insulin resistance (often secondary to obesity) is heavily correlated

with PCOS.

 

Other symptoms may include acne, weights gain (but not always) or

have trouble losing weight, male pattern baldness or thinning hair on

the scalp, hair growth on the face, back, or chest or sometimes, high

blood sugar (hyperglycemia). About half of women with PCOS have high

insulin and blood sugar levels called insulin resistance. When the

body doesn't use insulin well, blood sugar builds to high levels. If

not treated, this can lead to diabetes. High cholesterol levels are

also common with PCOS.

 

In PCOS, there are multiple cysts in the ovaries, which are actually

small, undeveloped follicles that have had their growth stunted. The

cysts, as well as the connective tissue around them produce male

hormones called androgens. Androgens are then released into the blood

stream and alter the feedback within the hypothalamic-pituitary-

ovarian axis (HPO axis). The amount of estrogen then increases in

relation to progesterone causing an increase in testosterone and

Luteinizing hormone (LH).

 

 

Treating PCOS

 

The two most important key factors that any woman could do to lower

her risk of PCOS is to eat heart-healthy, low glycemic foods, along

with regular exercise.

 

Foods to Avoid:

 

-Cut out all forms of refined sugar

-Cut out all refined (simple) carbohydrates. Follow the Full Spectrum

Diet. This says to cut out all white foods, which include all white

bread, rice, pasta, low fiber foods, most breakfast cereals and rice

cakes.

-Reduce animal products and fats

-Avoid all soda, fruit juice and sugary drinks

-Avoid milk and dairy products

-Avoid alcohol and caffeine

-Avoid fertility diets that suggest you eat large amounts of yams.

This is not appropriate for PCOS

-Reduce the intake of oily, fried, and sugary foods, fried snacks and

fast foods

-Do not miss meals; and do not starve in terms of total quantity of

food

 

 

Foods You Should Eat:

 

-Eat adequate amounts of protein

-Eat as much fresh vegetables as you can

-Eat foods, which nourish the liver such as dark green vegetables,

lemons, carrots and beets

-Eat fruit light in sugar and sweetness such as berries

-Eat complex carbohydrates (lower glycemic carbohydrates), which tend

to have more fiber such as bran cereal, brown rice, whole wheat,

whole-grains and nuts and grains like quinoa, whole oats, and bulgur.

These foods help women with PCOS to maintain steady blood sugar and

insulin levels and may assist in weight loss. A diet composed of

mainly low-GI foods will also help to combat the effects of insulin

resistance.

 

 

Supplements and Herbs

 

-Chlorophyl helps reduce symptoms of hypoglycemia without raising

blood glucose levels

 

-Include supplements that help improve insulin resistance such as B

vitamins, magnesium, alpha lipoic acid and chromium. Chromium

increases the sensitivity of insulin receptors. Recommended dosage is

300 micrograms/day.

 

-Essential fatty acids, including flax oil, evening primrose oil

(Oenothera biennis), and black currant oil, act as anti-inflammatory

and hormonal regulators.

 

-Supplementation with antioxidants, including zinc, and vitamins A,

E, and C, is also recommended.

 

-Western herbal medicine uses phytoestrogen and phytoprogesteronic

herbs, such as blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) and false

unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum), as well as liver herbs, like

dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum), to work toward hormonal balance.

 

-Acupuncture works on the body's energy flow according to the

meridian system. As an acupuncturist/herbalist who sees this

particular problem in my office on a daily basis, the combination of

acupuncture/herb is amazing at getting to the root of the problem and

eliminating it.

 

Chinese herbs, such as gui zhi fu ling wan, can be effective. Please

consult your local acupuncture/herbalist.

 

-In naturopathic medicine, treatment focuses on helping the liver

function more optimally in the hormonal balancing process.

 

-Exercise is the second most important key to PCOS. Exercise helps

the body's cells use glucose as energy, reducing blood glucose

levels. A structured exercise plan can help the body use insulin more

efficiently and gradually reduce insulin levels. Regular exercise

also improves circulation, reduces blood pressure, increases levels

of high density lipoprotein (HDL), your good cholesterol and helps

with weight loss.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

Peacefulmind.com

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