What is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal disorder typically occurs in women during their childbearing years (15 to 44). The condition affects a woman’s ovaries, the reproductive organs that produce estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. 

The ovaries also produce some male hormones called androgens. It is evident by irregular ovulation, irregular egg development, irregular or missed periods, infertility, excess hair on the face and chin, acne, weight gain, and thinning of hair.

PCOS is a “syndrome” or a collection of symptoms. Among them are:

• Cysts in the ovaries
  
• High levels of male hormones
  
• Irregular or skipped periods
  

Many small, fluid-filled sacs grow inside the ovaries. The word “polycystic” means “many cysts.” The presence of high levels of male hormones disrupts a woman’s menstrual cycle, which is why PCOS sufferers get fewer periods than usual.

Type 2 diabetes is a risk for women with PCOS since they can make insulin, but can’t use it effectively, making them insulin resistant.

Who is most likely to suffer from PCOS?

It is prevalent among women in their 20s and 30s having difficulties getting pregnant. However, it can occur in women of any race or ethnicity after puberty.

What causes PCOS?

1. Insulin Resistance

   Approximately 70 percent of PCOS patients have insulin resistance. Obesity is a major cause. Both obesity and insulin resistance can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.
   

2. Inflammation
   

   Women with PCOS often have increased levels of inflammation in their bodies. Being overweight can also contribute to inflammation.
   

3. Hormone Imbalance
   

   PCOS is associated with an imbalance in certain hormones, including:
   

4. Genetics
   

   PCOS sometimes runs in families. If you have a relative with PCOS, such as your mother, sister, or aunt, your chances of developing it are greatly increased.
   

What are PCOS symptoms?

1. Unwanted hair growth

   Having hair on the face, chin, breasts, stomach, or other body parts that men usually have hair on.
   

2. Loss of hair
   

   Having hair on the face, chin, breasts, stomach, or other body parts that men usually have hair on.
   

3. Acne or oily skin
   

   A hormonal imbalance caused by PCOS can cause acne and oily skin on the face, chest, and upper back.
   

4. Skin darkening
   

   You may see thick, dark patches of skin on the neck, arms, breasts, back of the neck, and groin.
   

5. Constantly feeling tired or unable to sleep
   

   Insomnia and poor sleep are common concerns for people with PCOS. Even though you slept, you do not feel rested when you wake up. You may have a sleeping disorder called sleep apnea.
   

6. Headaches
   

   The surge in hormone levels associated with PCOS can also cause headaches.
   

7. Heavy periods
   

   In addition to heavy bleeding and irregular periods, PCOS negatively impacts menstruation.
   

8. Irregular periods
   

   Sometimes women skip their periods or don’t get them at all.
   

9. Increase in weight
   

   Weight gain is typical among PCOS sufferers. The symptoms may worsen if they are overweight. Shedding even just a few pounds may improve the timing of your periods.
   

10. Having difficulties getting pregnant
    

    Irregular menstrual cycles may make it difficult for women to become pregnant.
    

How to identify PCOS

1. Irregular menstrual cycle
   
2. Blood tests showing high levels of androgen (male hormones) or symptoms like acne, male-pattern baldness, or extra hair growth on your face, chin, or body
   
3. An ultrasound exam shows cysts in your ovaries
   

Physical Exams

• PELVIC EXAMS—A pelvic exam might reveal signs of extra male hormones (for example, enlarged clitoris) as well as swollen ovaries.
  
• PELVIC ULTRASOUND—Sound waves are used to examine your ovaries for cysts, as well as to examine your endometrium (uterine lining).
  

Tests

• BLOOD TESTS—A small amount of blood will be drawn from a vein in your arm by your physician. Testing for androgen hormones and other hormones associated with common health problems will also be checked.
  

  Lab tests will measure the levels of these hormones:
  

  1. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-affects your ability to get pregnant
  

  2. Luteinizing hormone (LH)-encourages ovulation
  

  3. Testosterone-sex hormone would be higher in women with PCOS.
  

  4. Estrogens-group of hormones that allow women to get their periods
  

  5. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone test that can determine if a woman is pregnant.
  

  6. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH)-This tests your ovaries and lets you determine how far you are from menopause.
  

  To further determine your overall health and chance of having other conditions, physicians perform other tests such as:
  

  Lipid profiles check your cholesterol and triglycerides. PCOS can make you more likely to develop heart disease.
  

  Glucose tests help to see if you have diabetes. More than half of women who have PCOS get this disease.
  

  Insulin: Your physician will want to find out how well your body responds to insulin, which helps control your blood sugar level.
  

• BLOOD TESTS—A small amount of blood will be drawn from a vein in your arm by your physician. Testing for androgen hormones and other hormones associated with common health problems will also be checked.
  
• Lipid profiles check your cholesterol and triglycerides. PCOS can make you more likely to develop heart disease.
  
• Glucose tests help to see if you have diabetes. More than half of women who have PCOS get this disease.
  
• Insulin: Your physician will want to find out how well your body responds to insulin, which helps control your blood sugar level.
  

What does a PCOS belly look like?

Treatment and Care

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

1. Eating a balanced meal – Keeping your blood sugar levels in check is crucial to treating PCOS, so an assessment of your diet is essential.
   
   • Reduce sugar intake
   • Eat more fiber
   • Increase consumption of healthy fats
   
2. Have enough sleep – It is essential to get enough sleep for optimum health. Stress, anxiety, and insomnia make achieving that level of sleep challenging. The CDC recommends an average of 7 to 8 hours as the number of hours of sleep necessary as we age.
   
   • Do breathing exercises.
   • Be sure that all electronics are off at least an hour before bed.
   • Consider investing in quality bedding.
   • Maintain a cool temperature inside the room.
   
3. Consider low-impact and strength exercises – Keep cortisol levels low and manage stress with low-impact activities like yoga, Pilates, and walking.
   
   The benefits of strength training include improving blood sugar levels and helping your cells respond to insulin. Furthermore, it increases lean muscle mass, and the more muscles you have, the more calories your body burns when at rest.
   
   Doing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Physical Exercise 3-5 times a week can help combat testosterone-related symptoms such as acne, hair loss, and unusual facial hair growth. Many women with PCOS also struggle to lose weight, putting them at risk for various health issues, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, stroke, and heart disease.
   
4. Limit alcohol consumption – To reap the antioxidant benefits of resveratrol, women should drink no more than one drink per day, and if they do, red wine is the best option because of its low sugar and low-calorie content.
   
5. Stress management – Spending a few hours a day unplugging electronics to be more present at the moment.
   
   1. Creating boundaries and saying no to loved ones and social outings.
   2. Relaxation can be achieved in many ways, including meditation, warm baths, reading, or going for a walk.
   
6. Maintain a healthy gut – Unbalanced gut bacteria can adversely affect your mental health, immune system, and heart. When managing PCOS it is essential to maintain beneficial gut bacteria because it is known to metabolize estrogen. Taking prebiotics, probiotics and eating lots of fiber can promote optimal gut health. You may find the following products to be helpful:
   
   1. Omni Biotic Stress Release
   2. Omni Biotic AB-10
   3. Omni Biotic Balance
   
Adding natural herbs and supplements will make your diet more complete – It has also been found that herbs and supplements can effectively treat symptoms associated with PCOS. By using herbs and supplements, blood sugar is maintained, inflammation is treated, and hormones are supported.

To regulate insulin and boost ovulation, Myo-inositol is recommended. A 2015 clinical trial showed 61.7 percent of women could ovulate after taking Myo-inositol, while 38.3 percent resisted the treatment. Myo-inositol can help restore your menstrual cycle.

Several supplements can support your fertility and immune system, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D3 to assist in fertility support, enteric-coated probiotics for healthy guts, vitamin B5 to support your adrenals, and vitamin B6 to help produce progesterone.

A potential benefit of n-acetylcysteine may also apply to individuals with PCOS. According to research, the supplement improves insulin resistance and supports hormonal balance.

7. Chinese medicine and acupuncture – There are also many benefits to using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). A key aspect of Chinese Medicine is its objective to determine which underlying mechanism creates the conditions for PCOS to appear. It is called differential diagnosis.
   
   The provider focuses on lifestyle and nutrition changes, such as eating healthy to avoid inflammation, incorporating herbs specially chosen, and removing endocrine disruptors.
   

Do You Have PCOS?