WHAT IS POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS)?

By Debbie Markel, CH, CNHP

            I personally know four women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a little-known disease that, according to National Women’s Health Information Center (NWHIC) at www.4woman.gov/faq/pcos.htm#5, 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. That’s why if you suspect you may have it, it’s important to become educated and seek a professional diagnosis. Up until several years ago, I had never even heard of PCOS. Chances are likely that unless you know someone who has it, you haven’t either. Having friends with this condition prompted me to take a class on PCOS at a recent herbal medicine conference I attended so I could learn how to help them. 

            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, and medicines for hair loss. Some may recommend drugs that mimic the action of dopamine like Parlodel or Pergolide, common Parkinson’s disease medications. Numerous side effects can occur from any or all of these drugs. Some doctors may recommend surgery to stimulate ovulation, but the benefits may only last several months. 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. in her PCOS lecture at the Medicines from the Earth Symposium in June, 2006, 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, 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 (http://www.girlshealth.gov/body/pcos_guide.htm).

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.

 Debbie Markel, Certified Herbalist and Certified Natural Health Professional, is the proprietor of Apothecarian Herbals, LLC. She can be reached at 598-5352 or www.herbalconsultant.com.