FAVORITE HEALTH QUOTE

"Half of the modern drugs could well be thrown out of the window, except that the birds might eat them" - Dr. Martin Henry Fischer

 

JUNE, 2008 NEWSLETTER

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What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

     I personally know four women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a little-known disease that, according to National Women’s Health Information Center (NWHIC), affects women’s hormones, fertility, menstrual cycle, and blood sugar balance. The NWHIC reports that as many as five to ten percent of women of childbearing age suffer from it and it is the most common hormonal reproductive issue for women in this age group. It’s important to become educated if you have this condition. 

      A very simplified explanation of PCOS is as follows: PCOS is thought to be connected to the body’s ability to regulate insulin which in turn may stimulate the ovaries to produce too many male hormones called androgens. Studies show that dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter produced in our brains, can serve to prevent the release of certain hormones in our bodies such as prolactin (which influences mammary glands), TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), and LH (luteinizing hormone). Dopamine may also affect GH (growth hormone) and various hormones related to women’s reproductive systems. Hypothyroidism (slow thyroid) and lack of ovulation which increase androgen production can result from imbalances in these hormones. Women with PCOS have too much prolactin due to under-production of dopamine, leading researchers to believe that if dopamine production can be stimulated, symptoms of PCOS may be controlled.

     Symptoms of PCOS, which often begin during adolescence, may include the following:

                * Infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding

                * Infertility or inability to get pregnant because of not ovulating

                * Increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes

                * Acne, oily skin, or dandruff

                * Pelvic pain

                * Weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist

                * Type 2 diabetes

                * High cholesterol

                * High blood pressure

                * Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair

                * Patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or

                 thighs

                * Skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area

                * Sleep apnea ― excessive snoring and breathing stops at times while asleep

     It is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis before treating PCOS. Endocrinologists, doctors who treat our glandular (hormonal) systems, are a good resource for finding out if someone has PCOS. They will test a woman’s levels of testosterone, insulin (with resistance), glucose, lipids, prolactin, growth hormone, and dopamine before confirming their diagnosis.

     Traditional medical treatments vary, but most physicians normally prescribe numerous drugs like birth control pills, diabetes medications, Parkinson’s drugs, and medicines for hair loss. Many have serious or unpleasant side effects. Losing weight is important to controlling PCOS since weight loss can lower blood sugar and regulate other hormones.

     According to Dr. Jillian Stansbury, N.D., numerous herbs and supplements can also support women with PCOS. St. John’s wort and lemon balm support dopamine regulation, black cohosh supports hormone imbalances, and vitex (chasteberry) and natural progesterone creams have an overall progesteronic effect. Other supplements that may be helpful include B-vitamins, chromium, omega 3 fatty acids (fish or flaxseed oils), tryptophan, tyrosine, thyroxine, nettles, selenium, and retinoids. Other herbs and supplements can be used for women who may have trouble getting pregnant, and acupuncture has a proven history of treating infertility. Due to the complex nature of PCOS, consulting a natural health care professional is recommended so the protocol can be customized.

      One of the best ways to control PCOS is through eating a healthy diet that is low in fats, animal products, and sugars, and high in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Exercise will benefit weight loss and hormonal imbalance and will lower blood sugar. The government’s Girls’ Health website recommends choosing nutritious, high-fiber carbohydrates instead of sugary carbohydrates; balancing carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats; and eating small meals and snacks throughout the day instead of large meals.

     PCOS doesn’t have to be a debilitating condition. Keeping a positive attitude, talking with other women with PCOS, and finding health care professionals trained in managing PCOS can make this syndrome easier to control. It takes a little work, but it’s worth it to feel better.

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