I’ve struggled for most of my life with problems related to my fertility. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I figured out what was happening. Even when I did figure it out, my doctor did not explain the reasons behind what was happening in my body. I’ve had to do my own research. The better I understand this condition, the more hopeful I feel about the future. I now have a positive outlook on the future of my health, fertility, and mental well-being.
If you’re on a similar journey, this article is for you. It’s a brief compilation of things I’ve learned. Knowledge is powerful, and I hope this information helps you.
Disclaimer: This post is informational only; it is not prescriptive. I am not a licensed medical professional. I’m just a woman who has struggled with the disorder described below. The points I mention are simply a starting place for your own research. Please talk with your licensed medical practitioner for more thorough information and personalized treatment options.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal disorder in which ovaries over-produce androgens (a male sex hormone naturally present in small amounts). These hormone imbalances lead to failed ovulations which can cause cysts (small fluid-filled sacs) to develop in the ovaries.
Hormonal imbalances the culprit for the common symptoms associated with this disorder. There are no known cures, but there are treatments that can significantly improve your overall health, both hormonal, and otherwise.
Common Symptoms of PCOS
- Missed periods, irregular menstrual cycles, or very light periods
- Excess body hair on the face, chin, chest, stomach, and/or back
- Weight gain, especially around the abdomen (belly)
- Cystic acne or oily skin
- Thinning hair or balding (especially male-pattern balding)
- Infertility or difficulty getting pregnant due to irregular ovulation
- Dark patches on the back of the neck, armpits, or under the breasts
If you have one or more of these symptoms, contact your doctor for more information and personalized care.
4 Common Causes of PCOS
There are no clearly identified causes for this disorder, but there are common factors:
1. Insulin Resistance
Approximately 70% of women with PCOS struggle with insulin resistance.
The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone which converts sugars from food into energy. When cells are unable to properly use insulin, demand for it increases. The pancreas compensates by sending more insulin, which triggers the ovaries to produce male hormones.
This is the most common type of PCOS. It is usually accompanied by one or more of these factors: Diabetes, obesity, smoking, over-consumption of sugar and/or trans fats, and pollution.
Management:
Limit sugar and refined carbohydrates to small quantities. You can also take supplements such as Inositol which help prevent insulin resistance.
2. Chronic Low- Grade Inflammation
Inflammation is a major component for women with PCOS. When outside factors trigger white blood cells to overproduce infection-fighting substances, the body overproduces androgens. Researchers have found that diet and obesity are among the most common reasons for hormonal imbalance.
Triggers also include: stress, environmental toxins, and inflammatory dietary elements such as gluten.
Signs may include: migraines, skin allergies, vitamin D deficiency, and/or increased thyroid levels.
Management:
For obese women, doctors usually recommend weight loss via healthy diet. You may want to consider eating smaller, more frequent meals. The goal is to balance blood sugar and alleviate stress on the body. Eat a diet low in inflammatory foods such as milk or dairy products, sugar.
Ask your doctor about taking a magnesium supplement. It may help prevent inflammation.
Stress management is essential. Chronic distress is responsible for a host of hormonal imbalances. If you struggle with constant stress, consider getting professional counseling. A healthy stress-relief outlet may also be helpful.
3. Contraception (AKA Birth Control Pills):
Contraceptives are an extremely common cause for PCOS. They suppress ovulation, which creates hormonal imbalances. This can have either temporary or long- term effects on ovulatory hormones.
Management:
Contraceptives can have a significant impact on hormonal balance. But with time and care your body can work its way back alignment. Talk to your doctor about management of hormonal symptoms.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies:
Nutritional deficiencies can also be responsible for hormonal imbalances leading to PCOS.
Iodine is a necessary element in the production of thyroid hormones. The thyroid is partially responsible for ovarian function and ovulation. Deficiency in this essential mineral can lead to thyroid disease and hormonal dysfunction.
Another possible problem is zinc deficiency. This is especially common among women eating vegetarian-only diets. Zinc, an essential mineral found in a variety of foods, has many important roles, including immune function, protein synthesis, and wound healing. Zinc also affects thyroid function and blood sugar regulation.
Management:
This is the easiest type of PCOS to treat. If you test low for iodine and zinc, including them in your diet can have extremely positive effects on your hormonal health, fertility, and ovarian function.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
To determine if you have PCOS, health care providers will ask about your medical history and symptoms. You may also go through a physical exam. Pelvic exams may be conducted to check the health of your reproductive organs.
Because PCOS is often linked with other health problems, pelvic ultrasound or blood panels may be ordered.
Pelvic Ultrasound:
This is imaging method uses sound waves to produce images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. The goal of this test is to detect enlarged ovaries and cysts. Physicians can also view lining of the endometrium (uterus). This is especially important for women with irregular periods, since improper flushing of old blood can cause buildups leading to cancer.
Blood Tests:
Blood tests identify whether excess levels of androgens or other hormones are present. Glucose levels are taken to help determine your risk for insulin-resistance.
Common Treatments
Treatments for PCOS vary from person to person. Your doctor may discuss things like your age, the severity of your symptoms, and whether you want to get pregnant.
Women Seeking Pregnancy:
- Reduce intake of refined sugars and carbohydrates
- For women above a healthy BMI, weight loss is is recommended. This can help reduce inflammatory symptoms, lower blood sugar levels, and lead to more effective insulin absorption. Balanced insulin encourages hormonal balance, spurring regular ovulation.
- Your doctor may also discuss the use of medications to cause ovulation. There are significant risks associated with many of these medications, so it’s a good idea to do some research before taking anything. Don’t be afraid to make a few appointments so you can ask good questions.
Women *NOT* Seeking Pregnancy:
- Your doctor may recommend birth control pills since they help control menstrual cycles. The down side of is that these medications mask the effects of the disease rather than address them. In many cases this treatment makes the condition worse in the long run.
- Medications for diabetes are often used to treat PCOS since they lower insulin resistance and reduce androgen levels. They also help re-regulate your menstrual cycle and lead to regular ovulation. As with any medication, there are risks, so talk to your doctor about any concerns you have.
- Dietary and activity changes are nearly always recommended. Limiting your intake of refined sugars and carbohydrates and maintaining a healthy activity levels helps is vital. This helps reduce inflammatory symptoms, lowers blood sugar, and leads to effective insulin absorption.
Tips for doctor visits
To get the most out of visits with your doctor or health care provider:
- Bring a notepad to your appointment. Write down the date, time, and purpose for the visit at the top. This can really keep things organized and jog your memory when you need it. Also write down the treatments discussed; include everything from lifestyle and dietary changes, to tests, medications, and any other new instructions given.
- Ask a close friend to come with you to help ask questions and remember what your provider says. Doctor visits can be emotionally- charged; having a friend with you can help set you at ease and settle your nerves.
- Ask your doctor the best method for contacting them in case of follow-up questions.
God bless you!
I hope this post was informative and helped you understand your condition a little more. I know firsthand how disheartening this diagnosis is. But I also know that just a few changes can make a huge difference for our health and overall outlook on life. If you found this post helpful, see my post on “Self-Care For Women With PCOS” here.