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What Is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects women ages 12-49, and it is one of the main causes of fertility problems in women. It can also lead to other health issues, like high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes; PCOS affects the endocrine system and causes a hormonal imbalance in your body’s glands.

Regardless of the name, the ‘cysts’ seen in women with PCOS are not cysts. They are just a larger number of follicles than normal on the ovaries. Therefore, the term ‘polycystic’ is false and one of the main reasons there is so much debate about changing the name ‘PCOS’ to another, more proper name.

What Can Cause PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)?

The exact cause of PCOS isn’t known; however, based on studies, we believe there is likely a genetic cause along with lifestyle and environmental factors.

Some possible causes of PCOS include:

  1. Insulin resistance– This happens when the body does not respond well to insulin, leading to high insulin levels. This will cause the ovaries to produce more androgen hormones, leading to PCOS.
  2. Hormonal imbalance: Women with PCOS have higher levels of androgen hormones (such as testosterone) than usual, which can interfere with the normal workings of the ovaries.
  3. Genetic factors: PCOS tends to run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic part to the illness. Research shows that a woman with PCOS has a 40% chance of having a sister with the disease and a 35% chance of having a mother with the illness.
  4. Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can contribute to insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances, both linked with PCOS.
  5. Environmental factors: Exposure to toxins, such as bisphenol A (BPA), can contribute to PCOS.

How Is The Condition Diagnosed?

Diagnosing PCOS can be challenging, as the symptoms can be vague and vary from person to person. When diagnosing PCOS, a doctor will conduct a physical exam, review your medical history, and order blood tests to check hormone levels. An ultrasound may also be performed to look for cysts on the ovaries.

A diagnosis is made when you have any two of the following symptoms:

  • An increase in facial or body hair and blood tests that show higher testosterone levels than normal
  • An ultrasound scan shows polycystic ovaries.
  • Irregular periods, or no periods at all

Health Issues Linked To PCOS

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a disorder that can lead to several health problems. Here are some of the potential health problems associated with PCOS:

  1. Infertility: PCOS can interfere with ovulation and make it difficult for women to become pregnant.
  2. Diabetes: PCOS is associated with insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
  3. Heart disease: Women with PCOS are at higher risk of developing heart disease due to insulin resistance, obesity, and high cholesterol levels.
  4. Sleep apnea: Women with PCOS are more likely to develop sleep apnea.
  5. Endometrial cancer: Women with PCOS may have irregular menstrual cycles, which can lead to the buildup of the uterus lining and increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
  6. Depression and anxiety: Women with PCOS are at raised risk of sadness and anxiety due to the condition’s impact on their mental health and quality of life.
  7. Excess hair growth and acne: PCOS can cause excess hair growth on the face, chest, and abdomen, as well as acne and oily skin.
  8. High blood pressure: Discuss with your doctor how frequently you should have your blood pressure checked and whether you should have blood tests to check your cholesterol levels.

How Does PCOS Affect Fertility?

A woman’s ovaries have many follicles (tiny sacs), each with an egg. Many follicles develop during a menstrual cycle for most women, but only one will release a mature egg through ovulation.

With polycystic ovaries, the follicles do not develop correctly. Because of this, a woman with PCOS will normally not often ovulate, leading to irregular periods and difficulty getting pregnant.

infertility pcos

Symptoms Of PCOS

PCOS symptoms are normally caused by an imbalance in hormones and very high levels of androgens (‘male’ hormones in the body). So when these hormones are higher than they should be, sadly, it can lead to typical symptoms such as;

  • Fertility Issues
  • Cardiovascular illness
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Depression (28-64%)
  • Anxiety (34-57%)
  • Poor body image and eating disorders (21%)
  • Hyperandrogenism (60-80%)
  • High levels of androgens
  • High levels of insulin/insulin resistance (30-50%)
  • Irregular menstruation (75-80%
  • Hirsutism (excessive hair growth) (70%)
  • Skin tags
  • Sleep apnea (8%)
  • Gray-white breast discharge (8-10%)
  • Scalp hair loss (40-70%)
  • Darkening skin areas, particularly on the nape of the neck (10%)
  • Pelvic pain
PCOS ALL you need to know

Treatment Options For PCOS

Wouldn’t it be so lovely if we could take a pill and do nothing else, and all our PCOS symptoms disappear?

Unfortunately, no magic product will clear up all PCOS symptoms by itself; lifestyle habits and a healthy diet are important for the best results.

Pcos the healthy woman

The overall goal of PCOS treatment is to balance blood sugar levels, maintain hormonal balance, and promote healthy digestion for improved estrogen metabolism while also working to promote regular ovulation and menses. There are several treatment options for PCOS, depending on the severity of the symptoms and treatment goals. The main goals of treatment are to regulate menstrual cycles, reduce androgen levels, and improve fertility if necessary.

Some common treatment options include:

  1. Oral contraceptives: These can help control menstrual periods and reduce androgen production.
  2. Metformin can help lower insulin and testosterone levels and improve ovulation.
  3. Clomiphene: This medication can help promote ovulation and improve fertility.
  4. Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, regular exercise, and following a healthy diet can help improve insulin resistance and reduce the severity of PCOS symptoms.
  5. Surgery: In some cases, surgery is done to remove the ovaries, or a part of the ovaries may be suggested to help control hormone levels and reduce the risk of complications such as endometrial cancer.

Herbal Treatments For PCOS

Herbal treatment for PCOS is becoming more popular as an alternative or complementary therapy to traditional medical treatments. Here are some potential benefits of herbal PCOS treatment: This is the most effective way to manage your PCOS as it manages the root cause of your issue and does not just slap a band-aid over the problems.

Pcos herbal treatment

Recommended Supplements & Herbs

All of these supplements are NOT needed. The supplement for you is dependent on your symptoms and PCOS type.

  • Myo- Inositol ( improves insulin resistance)
  • Berberine (boost metabolism and balance your body’s endocrine responses)
  • Apple cider vinegar (helps with insulin sensitivity)
  • Cinnamon (improves insulin resistance)
  • Our Fertility and PCOS support (Balances all hormones)
  • PCOS Reversal Tea (Balances all hormones)
  • Resolve PCOS Multivitamin (Balances all hormones)
  • Coq10 (improves insulin and testosterone levels)
  • Turmeric (anti-inflammatory, reduces insulin resistance)
  • Myo & D-Chiro Inositol (Hormonal Balance & Healthy Ovarian Function Support)
  • Zinc (manages alopecia, excess hair growth & boosts fertility)
  • Saw Palmetto (Reduce Elevated Androgens)
  • Maca Root (lowers cortisol, balances hormones, improves sex drive, boosts fertility)
  • Nac (reduces inflammation, improves insulin sensitivity, and lowers testosterone)
  • Magnesium (eases PMS symptoms, improves insulin resistance, reduces inflammation)
  • Licorice Root (anti-inflammatory properties, Balances hormones)
  • Chasteberry
  • Spearmint Tea (reduces testosterone)
  • Green Tea (helps with insulin resistance)
  • Vitamin D (67 to 85% of women with PCOS suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Low vitamin D levels may worsen PCOS symptoms.
  • Probiotics (improves gut health)
  • Chromium (reduces testosterone and insulin)

Working with a Doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs is important. Treatment may involve a combination of medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Many women with PCOS can conceive and live healthy, fulfilling lives with proper treatment and management.

PCOS BEST SELLERS