Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
What is PCOS?
The prevalence of this condition, also known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects 6 to 21% of women of reproductive age. PCOS has traditionally been an under-diagnosed condition, but more individuals are becoming aware of it and what the symptoms of PCOS look like. Infertility affects up to 72% of people with PCOS, as opposed to only 16% of women without the condition. Additionally, it raises the risk of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, sleep apnea, fatty liver, endometrial cancer, mood problems, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Less than 50% of women receive an accurate diagnosis, though. This is a serious concern since it means that millions of people don't know what's causing their underlying symptoms. This is because it's thought to be the main reason why women struggle with infertility.
Insulin resistance affects 50–70% of all women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, however, PCOS symptoms might fluctuate based on a person's lifestyle. Furthermore, this can eventually put a person at higher risk for diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and dyslipidemia (high cholesterol and/or triglycerides).
Menstrual dysfunction, ovulation problems, and an excess of male hormone production are all symptoms of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) (androgens). Ovaries that are swollen and have little cysts on the borders are common in women with PCOS.
One of the most prevalent endocrine conditions impacting women today is PCOS. One in ten women who are fertile has PCOS.
It is the most common reason for infertility due to anovulatory cycles.
PCOS is a misnamed illness since the "cysts" seen on ultrasounds are actually many underdeveloped follicles, each carrying an immature egg. The eggs are never developed enough to start ovulation.
Estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH levels are changed by the absence of ovulation. While androgen and frequently estrogen levels are higher than normal, progesterone levels are lower than typical.
Common signs of PCOS:
PCOS is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, acne, excessive face and body hair, and balding on the head. However, you might be going through any of the following:
1. Consistently longer cycles than 35 days
2.Fertility issues
3. An ultrasound of your ovaries reveals many follicles.
4. Acne
5. Growth of unwanted hair
6. Hair thinning or loss
7. Diabetes and/or insulin resistance
8. low libido, lethargy, mood swings, anxiety, depression, and cravings
9. Weight gain
10. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to luteinizing hormone (LH) ratios in blood tests are elevated.
11. Blood tests reveal an overabundance of androgens, such as DHEA or testosterone
Is PCOS curable?
I know how frustrating and painful many of the symptoms listed above can be, but I'm here to tell you that you do have control and can address your PCOS symptoms with targeted nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle changes.
The best and most effective treatment will depend on your type of PCOS and the underlying cause, so let's take a look at the top causes of PCOS and the best approach to getting you symptom-free!
PCOS has five common Root Causes:
1. RESISTANCE TO INSULIN
Insulin resistance affects up to 70% of women with PCOS, which means their cells can't properly use insulin. When cells are unable to properly use insulin, the body's demand for insulin rises. To compensate, the pancreas produces more insulin. Extra insulin stimulates the ovaries to make more male hormones.
2. INFLAMMATION
Chronic, low-grade inflammation can impair ovulation, disrupt hormone receptors, result in hormonal imbalances, and increase cortisol, resulting in high androgens such as DHEA and testosterone. Inflammation is caused by gut imbalances.
3. ADRENAL DYSFUNCTION
An abnormal stress response causes this type of PCOS. To compensate for excessive stress, the adrenal glands produce extra cortisol as well as DHEA. Elevated DHEA levels can result in increased testosterone and estrogen levels.
4. POST-PILL PCOS
Many of the signs and symptoms of PCOS, such as irregular or missing periods, acne breakouts, and hair changes, are common if you have recently stopped taking birth control pills. If you did not have PCOS symptoms before starting the pill, you are most likely suffering from post-pill PCOS.
The pill significantly reduces androgen production. When you stop taking the pill, the androgen suppressing mechanism is abruptly lifted, causing your body to temporarily increase its production while it adjusts to its new normal. The good news is that post-pill PCOS is usually temporary, but you must get the residue out of your body or your thyroid will be affected.
5. HYPOTHYROIDISM
PCOS and thyroid disorders are distinct conditions, but there is an emerging link between the two. They both share characteristics such as irregular periods and increased insulin resistance, and it is very common for both conditions to coexist. PCOS is thought to affect approximately 25% of hypothyroid women.
Hypothyroidism can exacerbate PCOS symptoms such as increased insulin resistance, irregular periods, abnormal hair growth, and male-pattern baldness. Hypothyroidism can be difficult to detect and is sometimes overlooked in women with PCOS; therefore, women with PCOS should have their thyroid function thoroughly checked (TSH is not enough, ask for a full thyroid panel).
Solutions:
https://www.seedsofchangemk.com/store101/p/pcos-solution
https://www.seedsofchangemk.com/store101/p/thyroid-nutrients
https://www.seedsofchangemk.com/store101/p/12-top-supplements-and-herbs-to-treat-leaky-gut
RESOURCES:
https://www.nature.com/nrneurol/
2022. NP. Malika Katrouche. All Rights Reserved.
