PCOS Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month
Facts on PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems that may affect their overall health and appearance. PCOS is also a common and treatable cause of infertility.
Some of the symptoms of PCOS include:
Irregular menstrual cycle. Women with PCOS may miss periods or have fewer periods (fewer than eight in a year). Or, their periods may come every 21 days or more often. Some women with PCOS stop having menstrual periods.
Too much hair on the face, chin, or parts of the body where men usually have hair. This is called "hirsutism." Hirsutism affects up to 70% of women with PCOS.
Acne on the face, chest, and upper back
Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp; male-pattern baldness
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Darkening of skin, particularly along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath breasts
Skin tags, which are small excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
Studies have found links between PCOS and other health problems, including:
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Unhealthy cholesterol
Sleep apnea
Depression and anxiety. Depression and anxiety are common among women with PCOS.
Endometrial cancer
Although obesity and excessive weight are often associated with PCOS, many women with the condition are slim and otherwise healthy. Anyone suspected of having PCOS should have a series of hormone tests, including those for LH/FSH ratios, testosterone, and progesterone, as well as checks of glucose and cholesterol levels.
Nutrition and PCOS
This is one of those conditions in which a change of diet can really make all the difference, so much so that everything eaten or drunk needs to be thought of as part of a medical campaign. We should always use food as medicine no matter what.
The first thing is to cut out is all highly processed foods, especially refined white flour products, and bring in an organic, whole-food diet full of nuts, seeds, and veggies. Eat lots of fiber as well as plenty of fresh vegetables and organic proteins. Cut out all sugar, sugary foods, corn oil, and soy oil, and eat only organically produced pure oils and fats (See Fats That Heal blog). Stay away from alcohol, coffee, and sodas.
Herbal supplements
Chaste Tree - Research had confirmed that chaste tree has a hormonal action, and today it is used for menstrual problems and infertility. The berries are thought to induce subtle hormonal effects within the brain, leading to increased levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and melatonin. These changes are thought to promote better hormonal regulation of the menstrual cycle, notable through raised progesterone levels.
Dong quai - regulates the menstrual cycle, relieves period pain and cramps, and is an ideal tonic for women with heavy menstruation who risk becoming anemic. It is also a uterine tonic, and helps fertility
Black cohosh - The root oof black cohosh is a Native American remedy. It seems that black cohosh does not contain estrogen but has an estrogenic action within the Body due to specific hormonal effects with the brain. It is suggested that black cohosh may slow or prevent the development of osteoporosis, and it has potential in treating PCOS.
Other Supplements
Chromium
Magnesium
Vitamin D3
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Trace mineral supplement
Essential Oils for PCOS
Clary Sage
Rose otto
Geranium
Lavender
Sage
Juniper berry
Carrot seed
Chamomile
Myrtle
Resource *The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
