My Natural Approach To PCOS
Polycystic
ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can impact many aspects of a woman’s health, from her
moods, her weight, to her chances of conception. This surprisingly common
condition can be difficult to diagnose and treat. That’s partly because
conventional medicine practices are often geared towards tackling the symptoms
without truly getting to the underlying reasons. Natural treatments for PCOS
address this frustrating condition from all angles, addressing the whole system
with a special focus on the root cause.
What Is PCOS?
Simply
put, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal problem that can affect women
during their reproductive years. It’s marked by irregular ovulation and higher
than normal levels of the “male” hormones or androgens such as testosterone.
The name refers to changes to the ovaries, which become filled with small cysts
that lead to hormone imbalances.
Because
PCOS can be difficult to diagnose it’s a bit uncertain how common it is, but
about five to 10 percent of women may experience it during the reproductive
years.
The Symptoms of PCOS
The
symptoms of PCOS often start to appear slowly over time, and the changes they
bring about are often easy to dismiss as normal.
If
you experience the following symptoms, it may be time to talk with a naturopathic
doctor:
●
Weight Gain
Gaining weight without any particular change in
lifestyle, especially around the belly. Women with PCOS often develop an
“apple” shape in which their body fat collects in the torso area.
●
Acne
Facial and back acne and other skin conditions such as
dark patches and skin tags often go hand in hand with PCOS.
●
Hirsutism
Extra hair on the face and body, particularly on the
upper lip, chest, and back as a result of hormonal imbalances.
●
Mood Changes
PCOS can particularly bring on an increased risk of
depression or anxiety.
●
Irregular Periods
Some women cease to menstruate at all. Others develop
very heavy periods.
●
Difficulty conceiving
Cystic ovaries, as well as the accompanying hormonal
imbalances, can make conception difficult, potentially leading to the need for
extra help to get pregnant.
What Are The Underlying Causes
Of PCOS?
Genetics
It
is very often difficult to determine one precise cause for PCOS, because many
factors can contribute to its development. Genetics do play a role however, so
if your mother or sister has had PCOS, you are more likely to develop it.
Weight
Carrying
extra weight can also contribute to PCOS. Of course, this creates a frustrating
dynamic since PCOS makes you more likely to keep gaining weight. Hormonal
imbalances also make it harder to lose that extra weight.
Stress
As
well as the more measurable factors, some research suggests that high stress
levels may play a role in the development of PCOS. That’s because stress can
wreak havoc on your hormones, resulting in an overproduction of testosterone
and insulin.
Insulin Resistance
Insulin
resistance may be a major factor in PCOS. About 70 percent of women with PCOS
also have insulin resistance. Obesity, high blood sugar, inactivity, and stress
can all lead to insulin resistance, however in PCOS insulin resistance seems to
be both a symptom and a driver of the condition and affects all body types.
Why PCOS Can Be Frustrating:
The Shortfalls of Conventional Medicine
Not
only is it difficult to diagnose PCOS, it can also be tricky to treat. Many
conventional medical care providers seek to simply mask the symptoms by putting
women with PCOS on birth control pills.
One
clear flaw in this approach is that birth control pills won’t help women who
are trying to reverse their PCOS in order to conceive. More importantly, this
approach isn’t getting to the root of the problem, in fact it may exacerbate
it. Birth control pills containing estrogen can actually raise blood sugar
levels in addition to carrying other health risks. The goal should be to
restore overall health, not add the potential for more problems.
My Natural Approach To PCOS
A
naturopathic approach considers the whole person in treating PCOS. That means
addressing the underlying causes of hormonal imbalances. The goal is to improve
all aspects of a patient’s health - and consequently, reduce PCOS symptoms.
Treatment
starts with a thorough evaluation of your health history as well as thorough lab
testing to identify hormone imbalances, including your stress hormones.
Although the exact protocols will vary by patient, here are some proven tips
for treating PCOS.
1.
Weight Loss Plan
If you’re overweight, work with your healthcare
provider to create a healthy weight-loss plan. Losing just small amounts of
weight can make a big difference to PCOS symptoms. However, you want to
approach weight loss in a way that doesn’t create more stress in your body as
stress can have a negative effect on insulin levels. That’s why it’s important
to work with your healthcare practitioner.
2.
A High Fiber, Plant Based Whole
Food Diet
Eating foods without preservatives or other endocrine
disruptors is the best approach to fully nourishing your body’s intricate
systems.
3.
Balance Protein And Carbs
You don’t have to eliminate carbs altogether. Choose
unprocessed, complex carbs and balance them with sources of lean protein. As
well, keep your blood sugar stable by eating at regular intervals.
4.
Improve Gut Health
By improving your gut health to reduce inflammation
and improve elimination, probiotics can help regulate hormone levels.
5.
Choose Foods High In Omega-3
Fatty Acids
Essential Fatty Acids are the building blocks of many
hormones, and a deficiency in EFAs is very common. My favorite sources are flax
seeds, chia seeds, hemp hearts and walnuts.
6.
Talk to your healthcare
provider about supplementation
Depending on your personal profile, helpful supplements
could include magnesium, vitamin D, and calcium. In particular, inositol (a B
vitamin) has been proven effective for PCOS treatment. And chromium can help
metabolize sugar and stabilize glucose levels. The right testing by your doctor
can uncover any deficiencies you may have and help you come up with a targeted
supplement protocol.
7.
Get Enough Sleep
A good night’s sleep is an essential part of hormone
regulation. Interestingly, studies have found that sleep problems are twice as
common for women with PCOS. So be sure to pay attention to your sleep habits.
8.
Get some healthy movement
Moderate exercise will help with weight loss. It will
also relieve stress and balance your cortisol levels. One study found that a
mix of high-intensity interval training and strength training helps women with
PCOS. However, talk to your healthcare provider about the best approach for you
as many women with PCOS do better with gentle exercise.
Take Control of Your Hormones
Yes,
PCOS can be frustrating. However, much research has been done recently on
functional testing and effective natural, holistic treatments for PCOS. By
treating your body as an integrated set of systems, you can get to the bottom
of your PCOS symptoms and get on the path towards true balance and wellbeing. Although
PCOS is a difficult and complex medical condition, I have seen the power of
naturopathic medicine heal many women with PCOS and have helped many women with
PCOS achieve fertility…naturally!
Ready
to take control of your hormones? Schedule and initial consultation by calling
978-475-7676 and we can get started!
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