What is the Root Cause of Your PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause irregular menstrual periods, hair loss, acne, too much hair on the face/chin and fertility issues.
Women often discover PCOS when they have trouble getting pregnant due to an imbalance in reproductive hormones. PCOS can cause the formation of small cysts in one or both ovaries and complications during pregnancy. Between 5% and 10% of women during their childbearing years have PCOS, and most women are diagnosed in their 20s or 30s when they have difficulty getting pregnant and see their doctor. However, PCOS can occur at any age after puberty.(1)
PCOS can affect women of any race or ethnicity. Obesity and a family history of PCOS may increase your risk.
The 4 types of PCOs:
1. Insulin resistance PCOS
Insulin resistance is a common condition in 70% of women suffering from PCOS. When cells become resistant to insulin, it leads to a condition called insulinoma which causes PCOS. Symptoms include abdominal weight gain, sugar cravings, and fatigue.
This condition can be helped by doing regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep. Supplements like magnesium, chromium, NAC, and inositol can also be helpful. (Try my PCH Magnesium Complex)
2. Adrenal PCOS
This happens during a period of high stress, indicated by elevated cortisol and DHEA levels. To reduce stress, try yoga, meditation, and quality sleep. Avoid high-intensity exercise and consider taking magnesium, vitamin B5, and vitamin C to support your adrenal glands and nervous system. (Try my PCH Magnesium Complex and Vitamin B Complex)
To manage PCOS effectively, it's important to prioritise stress reduction.
3. Inflammatory PCOS
This type of PCOS is caused by chronic inflammation, which is often a result of an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Symptoms may include high levels of testosterone, headaches, unexplained fatigue, and skin issues such as eczema. Maintaining a healthy gut can help by balancing gut bacteria, improving digestive enzymes, and repairing leaky gut tissue.
Foods that trigger inflammation should be avoided, and natural anti-inflammatories like turmeric, omega 3 fatty acids, and antioxidants such as NAC can be helpful.
Try my Krill Oil supplement which contains omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA but contains more antioxidants, in a more bioavailable form. Also consider taking my Curcumin supplement which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
4. Post-pill PCOS
After stopping oral contraceptive pills, some women experience PCOS symptoms, known as post-pill PCOS. When they stop taking birth control, symptoms often worsen because the pills balance high testosterone levels caused by PCOS, returning these levels to normal. Stopping the birth control stops these beneficial effects.
Post-pill PCOS is temporary and reversible and can be managed with good sleep, low stress, and nutrients such as magnesium, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and zinc. (Try my PCH Magnesium Complex and Vitamin B Complex)
In clinic, we like to find out what is triggering a client’s PCOS instead of just treating their symptoms. Our practitioners might advise on specialised tests to investigate hormone imbalances or nutrient deficiencies. Once they have acquired a comprehensive understanding of the root cause they will create a bespoke treatment plan which might include dietary/lifestyle changes and supplement support.
Please book a one-to-one consultation with one of our practitioners for more information.
Reference: https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome#references