WHAT IS PCOS / POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME?
PCOS or Polycystic ovarian syndrome affects up to 10 % of the adult female population. Like the name suggests, PCOS occurs when there is formation of cysts on the ovaries. These cysts can vary in size, color and shape as well as what they contain. Some could be more solid, others more fluid, but most of them cause the similar symptoms. Most times, these cysts are found on pelvic ultrasound exams, and most females are generally aware that they have cysts.
SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY PCOS / POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME
For a minority number of females, however, these cysts can cause all kinds of menstrual issues, such as mid cycle ovarian pain which feels like like a sharp pain on either the left or the right side of the lower abdomen, excruciating pain in the lower abdomen, if the cyst has burst, irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, bloating, weight gain in the mid section and overall weight gain, hair loss, acne past teen age years, and increased body and facial hair. Additional symptoms include insulin resistance or the metabolic syndrome, in which case the female has insulin resistance and pre diabetic symptoms of high sugars and high body fat levels. It is possible for a very thin female to have PCOS.
WHAT CAUSES POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME?
Usually an imbalance in female and male hormones will affect the production of the cysts. Diet and lifestyle, i believe play a huge role in the formation of the cysts, and stress often worsens the symptoms and this condition.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Your medical doctor may choose to treat PCOS using the birth control pill, and for diabetic drugs such as metformin for obese or overweight patients along with changes in lifestyle.
Various Natural treatments for Polycystic ovarian syndrome exist. As a naturopathic doctor, I usually treat PCOS in patients using natural herbs, certain supplements along with diet and lifestyle modifications. Here are some very simple lifestyle changes that would be very beneficial for PCOS:
1/ Eat organic meats especially chicken and beef.
As mentioned earlier, this condition is caused by an imbalance in hormones. Meat and poultry that is not organic is frequently laden with hormones to plump up the animal, which do not break down with cooking and will have deleterious health effects when ingested such as girls hitting puberty earlier and earlier in life.
2/ Cut down on dairy products.
Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, dairy products create more phlegm and congestion in the body – which in turn can effect the production of the cysts. You do not have to take my word for it, try eliminating milk from your diet for three months, and see if it makes a difference. Chances are, more that likely you will see quite a change with your cycle and congestion in the body.
3/Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
I think this one goes without saying.
4/Increase your intake of leafy green vegetables and fruits, as well, as cruciferous vegetables in the Brassica family
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage contain a compound called indole 3 carbinol, which is great to detoxify harmful estrogens from the body and is very helpful in balancing hormones naturally.
5/Staying active physically.
Moderate amounts of exercise 4 – 5 times a week for 30 – 40 minutes is great for health in general. Exercise has various added benefits of improving blood circulation, improving energy levels, as well as the beneficial effects on the heart. Exercise is a great way to improve your mental and overall health and a must for patients with PCOS.
Talk to your naturopathic doctor if you have been recently diagnosed with PCOS/ polycystic ovarian syndrome and want to treat it naturally. Your naturopath will most likely check your hormones in order to establish a base line of your hormones and may recommend various supplements and diet changes based on your intake.
By: Sushma Shah, Toronto Naturopathic Doctor, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.