I have PCOS…what now?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is not a diagnosis a woman (of any age) wants to hear. A tumultuous road lies ahead with unpredictable/complicated cycles, irregular menses, painful cysts, insulin resistance, difficulty controlling weight, infertility, androgen dominance, acne… the list goes on and on. The World Health Organization website defines PCOS as the following:
“Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. It usually starts during adolescence, but symptoms may fluctuate over time. PCOS can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, excess androgen levels and cysts in the ovaries. Irregular periods, usually with a lack of ovulation, can make it difficult to become pregnant. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility. PCOS is a chronic condition and cannot be cured. However, some symptoms can be improved through lifestyle changes, medications and fertility treatments. The cause of PCOS is unknown but women with a family history or type 2 diabetes are at higher risk.”
The incidence of a diagnosis of PCOS is 6-13% among women of childbearing years, meaning a cycling female. This extends to cycling adolescence as well. The aforementioned symptoms are just the tip of the iceberg for a woman suffering with PCOS. Common co-morbidities accompany PCOS like hypertension, type II diabetes, heart disease as well as the potential for certain cancers like ovarian and endometrial. One of the most heartbreaking symptoms, infertility, can take a severe emotional toll on the patient, their spouse and marriage. The effects of PCOS can reach far beyond “a hormone condition”.
Are there other options?
Although it is true, there is no known cure for PCOS, there are a number of things that can be done preventatively and nutritionally to help manage the symptoms. Patients that choose to help their bodies heal through proper diet, optimal nutrition and natural hormone support can see a brighter future with PCOS. A future where they are not defined by what their bodies CANNOT do but by the positive lifestyle changes made so they CAN! Hormone testing to have a clear picture of your imbalances, eliminating inflammatory triggers to reduce a potential autoimmune response to mitigate the symptoms makes a significant difference. No guessing or speculating- we test! Lifestyle changes can make the biggest difference for a patient with PCOS (I speak from personal experience). A low sugar/low carb diet (to help with insulin resistance) along with proper nutritional support to help promote a healthy metabolism, hormone balance (reduce androgens levels, support healthy estrogen and progesterone production) and adrenal support for balancing cortisol is The Wellness Way approach. Natural herbs and supplementation tailored to your needs. PCOS affects each woman differently, so the approach must be specific to YOU.
There is HOPE!
Do not allow a PCOS diagnosis to discourage you…there is hope. If you or your daughter is dealing with irregular/ painful periods, acne, weight concerns, or infertility as a result of PCOS, reach out to us here at the Wellness Way Spring, and let us help guide you on the road to wellness!
