PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion, this means although there is specific criteria required for its diagnosis it is not a black and white syndrome, there are some grey areas.
I was diagnosed with PCOS almost 2 decades ago– a time where there was no social media for information, no YouTube videos teaching you about how to manage your condition and definitely no alternative health practitioners that were easily accessible. Speaking from experience and having lived through navigating this syndrome alone was nothing short of a challenge. This diagnosis led me to the career of becoming a Naturopathic Doctor.
With so much knowledge on the condition now and the prevalence of it skyrocketing there are tools to help support you as you work through managing your diagnosis as there is no ‘cure’ per se.
Insulin is a hormone that is heavily dysregulated in PCOS patients. Hormonal imbalances caused by an excess in insulin leads to an increase in the male hormones being converted to androgens and DHT. DHT causes an increase in sebaceous glands to release excess sebum leading to oily hair, skin and acne (face and body)
Anovulation is defined as the inability to ovulate, if one does not ovulate periods may become irregular or there may be no periods at all. A recent study concluded that women who were overweight or severely underweight had decreased levels of estrogen both of which can lead to anovulatory cycles and fertility issues.
What are some ways to help reverse the symptoms of PCOS?
- Medicinal Teas:
- Peppermint tea: To decrease androgenic activity that causes chin hair
- Nettle Tea- A Nutritive tea as well as a natural DHT blocker
- Dandelion Root: A gentle liver detoxifier
- Ashwaghanda: To help manage stress and balance cortisol
What are my top supplements for PCOS
Myo-inostiol: Myo-inositol is necessary for all cells, it is converted into phosphatidylinositol, a crucial component of cell membranes. Myo-inositol also helps orchestrate the activity of hormones.
Supplementation of inositol plays a role in alleviating metabolic, menstrual/ovulatory, and cutaneous hyper androgenic features of PCOS.
Magnesium: An important mineral for supporting enzymatic activity, managing stress, keeping the bowels moving and for deep restful sleep
Vitamin D: Low levels of Vitamin D are attributed to many ailments from skin conditions, bone health to auto-immunity, fertility and IBD. The Northern Hemisphere requires some levels of supplementation. Remember. Vitamin D is a fat soluble Vitamin therefore it can accumulate within the body and toxicity is possible.
Probiotics: PCOS has the potential to cause an overgrowth of opportunistic bacteria such as Candida leading to worsening symptoms of weight gain and hair loss. Adding in a good quality probiotics helps to combat some level of dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal tract.
Important lab markers in the diagnosis and assessment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- LH: FSH: This lab test should be done on day 3 of your cycle.
- Estrogen and Progesterone
- Iron Panel+ Ferritin low iron/ferritin can disrupt your thyroid
- Thyroid Panel- Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can mimic PCOS
- Vitamin D: Getting this blood work done is imperative for supporting the body’s health from a hormonal, immune, digestive and bone health perspective.
Nutrition and exercise routines play a large role in the outcomes of hormonal imbalance and PCOS. Work with me to uncover the complexities of hormonal dysregulation through a tailored individualized approach.