Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

According to the NHS the 3 main features (Rotterdam Criteria) of PCOS are irregular periods, excess Androgen levels, which causes a growth of facial hair and body hair. And some Women experience hair loss on the scalp. And lastly enlarged ovaries with fluid filed follicles. If you have 2 or more of these features, you may be diagnosed with PCOS.

According to the NHS, symptoms usually appear during late teens and early twenties. In practice I have seen the average age drop from late teens to as young as 12, which is quite alarming.

The most common symptoms include; irregular periods (Oligomenorrhea) or complete absence of periods (Amenorrhea), difficulty conceiving, excessive hair growth (Hirsutism), weight gain, hair loss (Androgenic Alopecia), oily skin or acne and many women with PCOS are insulin resistant.

NHS rates for PCOS are roughly 1 in 10 women and it is one of the most common condition for premenopausal women. its is estimated that approximately 10 million women worldwide have PCOS.

A paper written in 2008 titled `Insulin resistance and Polycystic Ovarian syndrome` states, most women with PCOS also exhibit features of the metabolic syndrome, including insulin resistance, Obesity, Dyslipidaemia, and type 2 Diabetes and may increase cases of Cardiovascular disease and Cardiovascular risk factors.

So to summarise;

PCOS is a Hyperandrogenic disorder, which is the most common in premenopausal women. PCOS is characterized by excessive ovarian and or adrenal secretion, disturbances of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian axis with Hyperinsulinaemia, hypersecretion of Luteinising hormone and Gonadotrophin releasing hormone. In a large proportion of patients with PCOS, the primary defect in androgen secretion is triggered by factors such as Hyperinsulinism which can be caused by prolonged insulin resistance or over stimulation of metabolically active substances (Aromatase, Adipokine) in the visceral adipose tissues. In another study it was shown that a defect in the PI3 Kinase pathway which is responsible for mediating the metabolic effects of insulin also plays its part in PCOS. These factors may facilitate androgen synthesis at the ovaries and the adrenals. Obesity also has a major impact on patients with PCOS, most patients with PCOS are either overweight or obese. Which the has other metabolic and cardiovascular risks.

Factors contributing to PCOS phenotype chart below, credits to Researchgate.net

A Naturopathic approach to treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

PCOS is not only a reproductive system disorder, it is in reality a complex Endocrine disorder with important health implications. Due to the condition's complexity and diverse range of clinical presentations that a patient may be experiencing (pathophysiology). The treatment protocols must be tailored to each individual patient.

The key Naturopathic objectives include;

Treat insulin resistance (Dysglycemia, Hyperinsulinaemia)

Regulate the Hypothalamic pituitary Ovarian axis (HPO)

Restore hormonal imbalances (Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Oligomenorrhea)

Improve body composition (BMI) in over weight patients through diet and moderate exercise.

Reduce inflammatory markers which alter steroidogenesis and cause follicular dysregulation.

Address metabolic issues that can lead cardiovascular and Hepatic complications such as Cardiovascular disease and non alcoholic fatty liver syndrome.

Naturopathic Protocols for PCOS;

There are plenty of Herbal medicines and supplements in our Pharmacopeia which can aid patients with PCOS. Not all are suitable for every patient. Never take any medicine or supplement without consulting a qualified health professional first, especially if you are currently taking medication.

Herbs such as Rhodiola, Withania, Milk thistle, Schisandra, Gymnema, Paeonia, Black Cohosh, Vitex Agnus Castus, Tribulus, Reishi, Dandelion, Turmeric, Liquorice and Cinnamon.

Supplements and Vitamins which may also be of use; NAC, Zinc, Quercetin, Chromium, Myo-inositol, ALA, L-Carnitine, Magnesium, Vitamin D3, B Vitamins, Selenium, Vitamins A,C,E and Omega 3.

Diet and Exercise

The food you eat is very important, as I have told patients for many years, your food is either a medicine or a poison. So choose you food wisely !

Very simply put you need to eat a low carb diet, high in proteins, high in fibre, high in essential fatty acids and increase the intake of vegetables, especially the Brassica family (broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips and collard greens). And remove all fructose (especially found in mangoes and sugar free foods), artificial sweeteners, fizzy drinks and junk foods. Reduce caffeine intake and increase water intake.

If you would like a personalised health programme to help you with PCOS, please contact us at: salubriouslife.contact@gmail.com