Notes by Jurriaan Plesman BA(Psych), Post Grad Dip Clin Nutr
from
Sensible-Alternative
Naturopathic Clinic
Suite 1, Berry Rd Medical Centre,
1A Berry Road, St Leonards
NSW, Australia.
02 9438 3448
Policystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition, not a problem of the ovaries.
Women with PCOS have a high risk for depression, and affective disorders which impair their quality of life. Bishop SC et als (2009)
Blood tests for PCOS:
- Glucose Tolerance test
- Testosterone
- Sex Hormone Binding Hormone (SHBG)
- Prolactin
- Fasting leptin
- Vitamin D
Fluid-filled follicles that contain the eggs fail to mature due to (1)Insulin Resistance (a condition of hypoglycemia) PCOS type 1 and (2) non-insulin-resistant PCOS type 2. It is the insulin resistance that causes the weight gain and mood disorders, inhibits ovulation and produces testosterone. There is an increase in oestrogen compared to progesterone.
Symptoms:
- weight gain
- failure to ovulate,
- infrequent periods,
- infertility,
- facial hair, (See Hirsutism)
- acne,
- hair loss
- predisposition to diabetes
Treatment of PCOS
Hypoglycemic or diabetic diet supplemented with magnesium and chromium, herbals: Gymnema, Fenugreek
Type 2 PCOS: Non-insulin-resistant
Ovulation is inhibited by
- History of Birth control pill
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Xenoestrogens (environmental chemicals that mimic oestrogen)
- Trans-fat [Hydrogenated (damaged) vegetable oil]
- Adrenal stress causing low oestrogen levels
- Low fat intake
- Leptin imbalance
Treatment of for type 2 PCOS
- Stay off the pill
- Test for vitamin D
- Minimise exposure to xenoestrogens and use detoxification
- Rehamania (or Rehmania) or Withania herbal remedies
- Homeopathic folliculinum
- Low potency homeopathic oestrogen (to improve oestrogen production)
- High potency homeopathic testosterone or Paeony & Liquorice root (to lower testosterone, bring on periods, alleviate acne and facial hair.
- Natural Progesterone cream
Books on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Please discuss this article with your health care worker, doctor or nutritional doctor or therapist.