Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects between 10-20% of women or 1 in 5 of your friends!
This systemic endocrine and metabolic syndrome is becoming increasingly popular among Australian women with many pharmaceutical drugs and therapies being prescribed to ease symptoms, but a more natural remedy is available.
What causes PCOS?
The root cause of PCOS of largely unknown, many experts in the field believe that the condition is primarily genetic and can run in families. Triggered by a hormone imbalance the ovaries make abnormal amount of the male hormones androgens resulting in the symptoms of PCOS.
It is also believed that factors such as insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation, elevated cortisol and chronic stress can trigger PCOS in individuals.
How do you know if you’ve got PCOS?
PCOS is usually found in young adult women. The first symptom of PCOS is often a lack of ovulation or the ceasing of your period. Due to the high levels of hormones flowing through the body patients may experience unexplained weight gain, acne, increased hair growth and elevated insulin.
PCOS has also been linked to anxiety and depression as well as infertility.
What to do if you think you might have PCOS…
The first step is to contact your health care professional, your health care team can conduct tests to diagnose your symptoms. PCOS can be detected by testing the pituitary gland, insulin levels. and monitoring ovarian hormone level and androgens.
As part of your PCOS health care team you should engage with a naturopath to determine the root cause of your PCOS and discuss diet, herbal medicine and other potentially life changing treatments. Everyone is different and the causes of your PCOS may differ to others.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help with PCOS?
There are a few very easy, small changes you can make to help with your PCOS.
The number one thing to focus on is diet and exercise. By reducing your body fat and increasing your exercise routine you can begin to control your bodies insulin resistance. Adopting a low-glycemic diet focused on lean protein will also assist in balancing your insulin with give you great results.
Perimenopause and menopause
Perimenopause can begin in your 40s, years before your periods stop. Common changes include poor sleep, hot flushes, weight gain around the middle, low mood, brain fog and changes to digestion.
Nutrition can make a real difference during this stage. I focus on enough protein to protect muscle, calcium and vitamin D foods for bone health, plenty of fibre and colourful plants for your gut, steady blood sugar for energy and cravings, and reducing triggers such as alcohol and late caffeine.
Every woman’s experience is different, so your plan is built around your symptoms, your schedule and the foods you enjoy. Nutrition works alongside your GP’s care, so please talk to your GP about medical options such as hormone therapy.
Book a Free Health Check to talk about how I can help.