Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Explained

What is PCOS?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is one of the most common endocrine conditions that effect women, with a prevalence of 4-12%.   In the United States alone, over 5 million women have PCOS.  The true cause of PCOS is still up for debate, but we now know that insulin resistance plays a huge role in this condition.  Insulin resistance is a condition where your cells do not respond normally to the actions of the hormone insulin which results in higher circulating blood glucose.

Does this sound familiar? 

If it does, that is because this is the same situation for folks with type 2 diabetes.  Thus, PCOS is a major contributor to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes in women with this condition. Therefore, getting to the bottom of PCOS is SUPER important, since metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes have some pretty serious consequence if left unchecked!

Is PCOS Genetic?

While there appears to be a strong genetic component to PCOS, there are a number of things that are in your control that can decrease your risk.  These are things like lifestyle factors- diet, exercise, stress, and sleep.  The good news is that while it may be more challenging to prevent insulin resistance, it is most certainly NOT impossible.  You've got this! 

How do I know if I have PCOS?

PCOS is a clinical diagnosis, which means that the diagnosis is based on having some or all of the classic symptoms, after other medical conditions have been ruled out.  Testing for certain hormones, like LH, FSH and testosterone can help make the diagnosis, but they are not always abnormal in women with PCOS.  In the past, ultrasound was used to look for a specific characteristic of ovarian follicular development, called "String of Pearls".  Because both blood work and ultrasound can come back "normal", we cannot rely on only these modalities to make a diagnosis. 

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Some of the most common symptoms of PCOS are the following:

  • Irregular periods

  • Infertility

  • Acne

  • Sugar cravings

  • Weight gain

  • Mood swings

  • Facial hair

  • Thinning of the hair

What should I do if I think I might have PCOS?

PCOS should be taken seriously because untreated insulin resistance can lead to all the same potential risks as diabetes.  The scariest of which are heart attack and stroke.  And although obesity can worsen insulin resistance, not everyone with PCOS has problems with blood sugar regulation and weight.  So, just because someone is skinny, doesn't mean they do not have PCOS.

Its important to find a trusted medical provider who you feel comfortable with to walk you through symptomolgy of PCOS to help determine if this is something your dealing with.  

How can PCOS be treated?

Getting a diagnosis of PCOS is not the end of the world.  Often women feel so relieved to have a diagnosis that explains their longstanding symptoms and a clear pathway to improving and reversing any damage created by this condition.  

There is Hope after a PCOS diagnosis!

One of the most common medications prescribed to "treat" PCOS is metformin, but this medication can come with some unwanted side effects and isn't always necessary for every women diagnosed with PCOS.

Is there a natural approach to treating PCOS?

YES!

Looking at the root causes of PCOS can really help you zero in on where improvements can be made to decrease the insulin resistance and thus decrease the risks that come with this condition.  

1.  Balance blood sugar

     Pro Tip: Balancing meals with healthy protein and fat is KEY!  Cut out Sugar, limit dairy, no eating after 7pm

2.  Nourish Adrenals

    Pro Tip: Get good sleep, decrease unnecessary stress, meditate, don't over exercise 

3.  Balance hormones and Support Natural Detox

    Pro Tip: Regular bowel movements!!!!  Avoid plastic, check cosmetics for toxins, know your "dirty dozen". 

Are there specific supplements that can help treat PCOS?

Absolutely! 

Remember FOOD IS MEDICINE. Working with with someone who specializes in an integrative approach to PCOS can guide you through a plan can work wonders.

Adding supplements to the plan can only help the speed up the healing process.  There are a number of supplements that can help with balancing blood sugar, nourishing adrenals and support your natural detox systems.  

There is HOPE, I promise!

I hope this article has been a source of information on the diagnosis, characteristics and treatment options for PCOS.  Empowering women to take control of their health is exactly where we need to be in this time where taking care of ourselves is particularly important to stay vibrant and energetic :-).

Hugs,

Dana

About The Author

Dana Ramsey is a Certified Nurse Midwife and has spent the past 15 years helping women navigate their gynecology, pregnancy, postpartum and menopausal challenges. Dana is dedicated to helping her patients overcome conditions impacting their ability to conceive and maintain a successful pregnancy.

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