Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is a common health problem which effects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. It is caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. This hormonal imbalance creates problems in the ovaries. The ovaries make the egg that is released each month as part of a healthy menstrual cycle.With PCOS, the egg may not develop as it should or it may not be released during ovulation as it should be.
PCOS can cause missed or irregular menstrual periods. Irregular periods can lead to:
It can also make your periods stop or become hard to predict; cause acne and unwanted hair; and raise additional challenges for other health problems, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
Many women who have PCOS don’t have cysts on their ovaries, so ‘polycystic’ can be misleading. You might have cysts, you might not.
PCOS can cause missed or irregular menstrual periods. Irregular periods can lead to:
- Infertility (inability to get pregnant). In fact, PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women
- Development of cysts (small fluid-filled sacs) in the ovaries
It can also make your periods stop or become hard to predict; cause acne and unwanted hair; and raise additional challenges for other health problems, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
Many women who have PCOS don’t have cysts on their ovaries, so ‘polycystic’ can be misleading. You might have cysts, you might not.
Hormones and PCOS.
Hormones are substances your body makes to help different processes happen. Some are related to your ability to have a baby, and also affect your menstrual cycle. Those that are involved in PCOS include.
Cause(s)
All the reasons women develop PCOS are unknown. Lifestyle approaches to balancing hormones can be an extremely effective way to treat the condition. Lab studies are necessary to determine an individual woman’s specific needs.
You might be more likely to have PCOS if you sister or mother also has it. It could also be related to problems that make your body produce too much insulin, which can affect your ovaries and their ability to ovulate (release eggs).
Hormones are substances your body makes to help different processes happen. Some are related to your ability to have a baby, and also affect your menstrual cycle. Those that are involved in PCOS include.
- Androgens: Often called “male” hormones, women have them, too. Those with PCOS tend to have higher levels, which can cause symptoms like hair loss, hair in places you don’t want it (such as on your face), and trouble getting pregnant.
- Insulin: This hormone manages your blood sugar. If you have PCOS, your body might not react to insulin the way that it should.
- Progesterone: With PCOS, your body may not have enough of this hormone. This can make you miss periods for a long time, or to have periods that are hard to predict.
Cause(s)
All the reasons women develop PCOS are unknown. Lifestyle approaches to balancing hormones can be an extremely effective way to treat the condition. Lab studies are necessary to determine an individual woman’s specific needs.
You might be more likely to have PCOS if you sister or mother also has it. It could also be related to problems that make your body produce too much insulin, which can affect your ovaries and their ability to ovulate (release eggs).
Treatment
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment (to include 'diet changes') for PCOS. Lifestyle approaches to balancing hormones can be an extremely effective way to treat the condition. Lab studies are necessary to determine an individual woman's specific needs. After identifying what is causing your PCOS - insulin resistance, MTHFR, hypothyroidism - I will create a treatment plan for you but here is a best foods list to begin with.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment (to include 'diet changes') for PCOS. Lifestyle approaches to balancing hormones can be an extremely effective way to treat the condition. Lab studies are necessary to determine an individual woman's specific needs. After identifying what is causing your PCOS - insulin resistance, MTHFR, hypothyroidism - I will create a treatment plan for you but here is a best foods list to begin with.
- Fiber, fiber, fiber. Fiber may just be the most important nutrient to consume if you have PCOS. High-fiber foods, like organic fruits and vegetables (especially cruciferous veggies, leafy greens, berries, stone fruits, tomatoes, peppers, squash and sweet potatoes), lentils, and beans, can help combat insulin resistance by slowing down digestion and reducing the impact of sugar in the blood.
- Gluten Free Whole Grains. Speaking of fiber, getting at least half a cup of gluten-free whole grains, like rice, quinoa, lentils, oats, buckwheat, and split peas every day will help balance blood sugar, hormones and keep your PCOS symptoms at bay.
- Lean protein. Getting enough high-quality protein in your diet is also key if you have PCOS. Try to incorporate chicken, fish, and eggs into your meals every day, and make sure it’s always from organic, wild-caught/pasture-raised sources.
- Healthy fats. Jam-packed with nutrients, and heart-healthy omega-3s, healthy fats like avocado, nuts and seeds, wild-caught fish, grass-fed butter and ghee, coconut oil, and olive oil, squash inflammation, improve endocrine function (sex hormones actually require fat to be produced at adequate levels), balance your glucose-insulin levels, and regulate your period.
- Anti-inflammatory spices. Inflammation is highly linked with hormonal imbalances like those found in women with PCOS, so incorporating plenty of anti-inflammatory foods and spices, like Cinnamon (which stabilizes blood sugar and supports ovulation) and Turmeric (a powerful detox support) will greatly reduce your PCOS symptoms.
- Apple Cider Vinegar. Taking a shot of apple cider vinegar in the morning, and/or before meals can improve insulin sensitivity, aid in digestion (preventing heartburn and acid reflux), lower blood sugar responses and keep your hormones balanced.
- Bone Broth. Drinking bone broth can improve your gut health, which in turn reduces inflammation, which decreases the stress hormone cortisol, which is responsible for regulating all of your other hormones. So unhealthy gut = inflammation = excess cortisol = imbalanced hormones all around = PCOS. So try to drink a mug of bone broth at least a few times a week. (Collagen helps too!)
Food is medicine
so adopting an anti-inflammatory 'diet'
(fresh, 'whole foods')
is essential
for good health.
so adopting an anti-inflammatory 'diet'
(fresh, 'whole foods')
is essential
for good health.
