Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal condition in women. It affects 10-15% of women worldwide, causing infertility, weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism, acne, and hair loss.

PCOS is a condition that varies from woman to woman – each experiencing her own unique presentation. There are numerous women who have been told ‘You can’t have PCOS – you don’t fit the typical description!’ or ‘Just lose weight, and you’ll be fine’. These harmful myths undermine the underlying root causes of PCOS.

Each woman with PCOS is different! Focusing on the factors which are strongest in your case will give you the most sustainable results in regards to your health.

Tenets to Treating PCOS

• Address Inflammation – Evidence suggests that chronic low-grade inflammation is the central factor in PCOS. Inflammation is the crucial immune system activity which resolves infections and allows us to heal after injuries. However when inflammation is present constantly, as it is in PCOS, it can disrupt our hormones, cause cardiovascular disease, and contribute to insulin resistance.

• Treat Insulin Resistance – Women with PCOS secrete larger amounts of insulin than average, resulting in what is known as insulin resistance. Excess insulin causes the production of androgens like testosterone, disrupts the menstrual cycle and increases the risk for type two diabetes.

• Balance the Adrenal Glands/Manage Stress – The adrenal glands secrete the stress hormone cortisol as well as androgenic hormones like DHEA-S. High cortisol is associated with increased abdominal fat gain and sleep disturbances. High DHEA-S contributes to elevated testosterone.

• Treat Excess Androgens – Androgens are a class of hormones similar to testosterone, which are often elevated in PCOS. They are associated with hirsutism, acne, and hair loss, and increased amounts are central to PCOS.

• Address Hormonal Imbalances – Female hormones like estrogen and progesterone are produced from ovulatory function. In PCOS, this process can be affected by excess testosterone, causing irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, changes in mood and even increasing the risk for endometrial cancer.

• Balance the Thyroid Gland – Women with PCOS have an increased incidence of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition that is the leading cause of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism makes PCOS symptoms worse by slowing the metabolism, increasing insulin resistance, and affecting the mood.

• Create a Healthy Environment – Many chemicals in our environment are classed as endocrine disruptors. These chemicals include plastics, flame retardants and pesticides, and have been found to impact reproductive development and even induce PCOS in animal studies.

• Eat a Balanced Diet – A key component to care for PCOS is nutrition given that insulin resistance and inflammation can be impacted profoundly by diet.