Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

This “silent disorder” is one of the most common hormonal imbalances in women. It is closely associated with infertility and, in addition to its many symptoms and related physical problems, can place a heavy emotional burden on those who suffer from it. This disorder is called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It affects 6 to 21 percent of women of childbearing age.

Despite being a relatively underdiagnosed condition for a long time, more people are becoming aware of this disorder and what PCOS symptoms look like. Up to 72% of women with PCOS experience infertility, compared to 16% of women without PCOS who experience similar problems. Meanwhile, polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, mood disorders, endometrial cancer, fatty liver, sleep apnea, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease.

The good news is that there are many natural ways to treat PCOS symptoms, and many natural supplements exist to naturally balance hormones; all you have to do is do your best. Keep reading to increase your awareness of PCOS and discover ways to naturally reverse PCOS symptoms.

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS is one of the most common hormonal imbalances affecting women today and is often associated with insulin resistance. The endocrine system is incredibly complex; PCOS has been a recognized and diagnosed disorder for over 75 years. While it is now considered the leading form of endocrine disruption in women of reproductive age, there is still much to learn about exactly how this hormonal imbalance occurs in different women and how it can be most effectively reversed.

Alarmingly, estimates show that between 6% and 21% of women of childbearing age are affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). However, less than 50% of women are properly diagnosed. This means millions have no idea what is causing their underlying symptoms. Given that it is considered a leading cause of infertility in women, this is a major issue!

PCOS can develop for several different reasons, and symptoms can vary greatly from woman to woman, but it is generally accepted that insulin resistance plays an “intrinsic role” in the development of the disease. Currently, there is no known “cure” for polycystic ovary syndrome. However, it is believed that most of the underlying hormonal causes are reversible, and many women are able to find effective ways to reduce their symptoms without medication.

While PCOS symptoms can come and go depending on lifestyle changes, insulin resistance affects 50 to 70 percent of all women with polycystic ovary syndrome. And if left untreated, it can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome, hypertension, dyslipidemia (high cholesterol and/or triglycerides), and diabetes in these individuals.

Signs and Symptoms

There are several PCOS symptoms commonly seen in women with hormonal problems. Sometimes the ovaries form a cyst called a “functional ovarian cyst.” A sac forms around a maturing egg on the surface of the ovary. Usually, the sac detaches after the egg is released. If the egg is not released, or if the sac closes around the egg and fills with fluid, it becomes a functional cyst. The term “polycystic” literally means that a woman has many small cysts on her ovaries.

Normally, the ovaries secrete small amounts of androgens (called male sex hormones), but in women with PCOS, the ovaries begin to produce slightly more androgens, which is why masculine symptoms such as increased facial and body hair and male-pattern baldness begin.

Traditionally, doctors look for numerous cysts in the ovaries to make a diagnosis (described as a "string of pearls" on ultrasound), but not every woman diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome has visible cysts in her ovaries.

Another symptom of PCOS is an “excess of androgens” produced in the body. This can lead to symptoms such as acne, abnormal hair growth, and mood swings. It is estimated that more than 80% of women with androgen excess, as diagnosed by a doctor, have PCOS.

Common symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include:

• Partial or complete infertility (associated with and affected by many other symptoms such as insulin resistance, menstrual cycle disorders, weight problems, high levels of male hormones, and low libido)
• Oligomenorrhea (irregular periods) or amenorrhea (absent periods)
• Weight gain and/or difficulty losing weight
• Acne
• Insulin resistance (associated with increased risk of diabetes)
• High levels of male hormones, especially testosterone.
• Hirsutism (excessive hair growth, including in areas that are not typically hairy in women, such as the face and abdomen)
• Male pattern baldness or hair thinning
• Fatigue
• Mood changes
• Low sex drive (libido)

Causes and Factors

 While the exact cause of PCOS is somewhat unclear, there are several theories about how it develops. These are likely not a “one-size-fits-all” answer, but rather a series of interconnected factors that may initiate the development of this disease. The main causes and risk factors are thought to include:

• The changing effect of luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Insulin resistance
• A genetic predisposition to hyperandrogenism (which can be diagnostically reflected by subclinically elevated androgen levels)
• Family history of PCOS
• To smoke
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Use of valproic acid to treat epilepsy and/or epileptic seizures.
• Type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (whether diabetes causes PCOS or the reverse idea is unclear, but it is likely that both are related)
• High birth weight (especially when born to an obese mother)
• Early puberty
• Acanthosis nigricans (a skin disease)
• Metabolic syndrome

Obesity is commonly considered a risk factor for PCOS. However, according to recent research, clinicians seem to agree that while weight loss is an important way to naturally treat polycystic ovary syndrome, weight itself is probably not a direct cause. Nevertheless, it is thought to accelerate the onset of symptoms. A high percentage of PCOS patients experience weight gain at some point, but it is now known that many women who are of normal weight or even underweight also develop hormonal imbalances that lead to polycystic ovary syndrome. The histories of PCOS patients can be very diverse, which further complicates the treatment of this condition.

A 2017 study conducted by the University of Birmingham revealed that a class of androgens known as oxygenated C19 steroids significantly contributes to androgen excess in women with PCOS, whereas previous research had focused on another androgen, testosterone. It was also thought that PCOS was more hereditary than it actually was. Twin studies show a strong genetic component in the development of polycystic ovaries, while other data suggests that the likelihood of close relatives also having the condition is only about 32 percent.

Diagnosis and Diagnostic Methods

In fact, there is some debate about the criteria used to determine a PCOS diagnosis and how they label the condition. Some polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) experts have questioned whether changes in the PCOS criteria may lead to an overdiagnosis of the condition among women of reproductive age. Additionally, as previously mentioned, treatment options may vary.

There are multiple criteria for diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and all require different combinations of the following three symptoms for a positive diagnosis:

1. Excessive androgen secretion

As I mentioned earlier, androgen excess is often caused by PCOS (or vice versa). Androgens include testosterone, androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S). These levels are sometimes subclinical (not evident in a blood test) in PCOS patients, but typically need to show up at significant levels for a doctor to include it in a diagnosis.

2. Ovulation Problem

One of the best-known symptoms of PCOS is problems with ovulation. This can manifest as oligomenorrhea (irregular periods) or amenorrhea (missed periods). Many women with PCOS experience abnormally heavy, short, or long menstrual cycles, which falls under the heading of ovulation dysfunction.

3. Polycystic Ovaries

This may seem obvious, but not every diagnostic criterion requires a definitive discovery of polycystic ovaries, as it is argued that the probability of polycystic ovaries based on the first two criteria is sufficient for the syndrome to manifest itself. However, many women with PCOS (multiple ovarian cysts) can be diagnosed after an ultrasound. Depending on which doctor you see, they may use different criteria to diagnose you. Three main options include:

• National Institute for Health Criteria (1990): The patient must have both androgen excess and irregular periods.
• Rotterdam Criteria (2003): The patient must have any two of the three symptoms listed above.
• Androgen Excess and PCOS Association (2009): The patient must have androgen excess plus ovulatory dysfunction or polycystic ovaries.

According to the Endocrine Society, the Rotterdam criteria are the best option for diagnosis. Some clinicians estimate that either of the other two methods could nearly double the number of PCOS diagnoses.

The guidelines for the Rotterdam criteria state that androgen excess is a key factor in diagnosing PCOS in adolescents.

Traditional Treatment Methods 

According to the American Society of Family Physicians, PCOS treatment should be “individualized,” meaning your age, how severe your symptoms are, and whether you are trying to get pregnant are all important factors for a doctor to recommend a treatment plan.

They also recommend that patients be tested for blood pressure levels, lipid levels (cholesterol, triglycerides, etc.), glucose tolerance, depression, and sleep apnea.

Depending on whether you wish to become pregnant or not, traditional medicine prescribes one of the following treatment plans:

If you wish to become pregnant:

Traditional treatment methods for women who want to restart ovulation in order to become pregnant include:

For fertility: Clomiphene (an estrogen-modulating drug) or letrozole (a hormone-based chemotherapy)

For insulin resistance: Metformin (an antidiabetic drug)

For obesity (if any): Lifestyle modification (no specific instructions, generally instructions to lose weight and become more active)

For hirsutism (abnormal hair growth): Electrolysis and light-based therapies.

For acne: Topical antibiotics or antiseptics such as benzoyl peroxide.

If pregnancy is not desired:

For irregular periods: IUDs (intrauterine devices) or birth control pills plus hormonal contraception such as metformin.

For Insulin Resistance: Metformin

For obesity (if present): Lifestyle changes

For hirsutism: hormonal contraception with metformin (with or without antiandrogen therapy), spironalactone monotherapy, electrolysis, light-based therapies, eflornithine or finasteride (the latter two are prescription drugs)

For acne: Hormonal contraception, topical antibiotics or antiseptic creams (including tretinoin and adapalene, which should not be used by those trying to get pregnant), and spironalactone (a medication for high blood pressure/heart failure).

Studies have shown that metformin is most effective when prescribed in conjunction with lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications and weight management. However, there is debate regarding the use of metformin to treat PCOS and the lack of long-term studies to prove its effectiveness. Furthermore, metformin use can cause numerous side effects.

Natural Remedies for PCOS Symptoms 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition, and the way to resolve the hormonal imbalances that cause it is not the same for every woman. Practitioners and women with PCOS agree that there is no “one size fits all” approach that best balances hormones. In a guest post, Kate Kordsmeier from Root + Revel shared her personal experience of naturally reversing PCOS without medication.

Diet isn't everything, and other lifestyle factors – especially stress, but also things like meal timing and exercise level – all play a significant role in a woman's reproductive system. While it may seem complex, the best options for progressing in women with different types of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) fall into the same general categories, focusing on all aspects of health: essentially eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, and eliminating as much physical and psychological stress as possible. Here are some of the best researched natural methods for PCOS symptoms.

Review your diet.

The Standard American Diet (SAD – how convenient!) offers very little in terms of nutrition, especially for women with insulin-resistant PCOS. While the standard recommendation for obese women is to eat a low-fat and/or low-glycemic index diet, these may not actually be beneficial for those with polycystic ovary syndrome.

For example, did you know that a diet high in healthy fats and low in carbohydrates can actually lead to more weight loss? In morbidly obese subjects (both men and women, not directly those with PCOS), this type of diet resulted in more than double the weight loss compared to a low-fat diet, with striking results found in a 2003 clinical trial. This type of diet is known as the keto diet or ketogenic diet. Developed by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medical Center for children with epilepsy, this diet focuses on drastically reducing carbohydrate intake, getting most of your calories from healthy fats and some from protein. This diet initiates a process called ketosis, where your liver begins producing ketones for you to metabolize as energy instead of burning glucose. When you are in ketosis, your body burns fat faster. This diet has also been touted as a cure for brain fog and is currently the focus of much research surrounding mental health and disorders. There are many benefits of the ketogenic diet for PCOS. First, women with PCOS are at higher risk for depression, so the mental health benefits of keto may help offset some of that risk. Secondly, following a ketogenic diet is often a quick, safe, and effective way to lose a lot of weight in a short period, which is associated with improvements in fertility and other PCOS symptoms. Thirdly, this diet causes your body to use ketones instead of glucose, meaning it's a powerful and effective remedy for insulin resistance, which is linked to fertility issues. Reducing carbohydrate intake has already been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS. ketojenik Two clinical studies testing the effectiveness of the diet have been completed and found very positive results in both weight loss and increased insulin sensitivity. Another dietary model that may work for those with PCOS is an anti-inflammatory diet. Naturally anti-inflammatory foods include vegetables, fruits, meats from grass-fed/pasture-raised animals, naturally caught fish (such as salmon), nuts/seeds (such as chia, flax, hemp, almonds, and walnuts), and unrefined liquid oils (coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado). This type of diet reduces some metabolic symptoms of PCOS and leads to weight loss. In general, any lifestyle-modifying diet that effectively allows a patient with PCOS to lose weight will provide some benefit in restoring fertility and improving other symptoms of the condition, even if you only lose 5 to 10 percent of your total body weight.

Sleep patterns

Sleep is crucial for cell renewal, hormone production, stress control, and even weight management. In fact, sleep deprivation can have the same negative effects on health and hormones as lack of activity and poor nutrition. Women with PCOS are more likely to have sleep disorders, and at least one study has found that this may be due to excessive melatonin production. According to a large cross-sectional study, PCOS patients who sleep less are at greater risk for mental health issues and insulin resistance. These women are also more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea. Consistent sleep deprivation increases stress hormones in the body, including cortisol, and alters hormone levels that control your weight and appetite, including insulin and ghrelin. The more stressed you are, the more sleep you need – but the general recommendation that works for most people is to aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Some women with polycystic ovary syndrome may consistently need up to nine hours of sleep.

Engaging in Regular Physical Activity

If you are prone to developing hormonal imbalances, remember there is a fine line between too little and too much activity. Generally speaking, when exercise exceeds healthy levels, women's bodies become more susceptible to hormonal changes. For example, the “female athlete triad” is a condition that can negatively contribute to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It results from too much exercise combined with a restrictive diet and too few calories. According to multiple studies, female athletes may also be more susceptible to irregular periods. However, exercise has many benefits to consider beyond this single condition. While those with PCOS may not lose weight as easily through exercise as others, regardless of the type of exercise you choose, there is evidence that exercising with PCOS can improve fertility markers, insulin resistance, inflammation, and weight.

Avoiding Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the production, release, transport, metabolism, or elimination of the body's natural hormones. Women with hormonal disorders such as PCOS are very sensitive to this type of interaction, and high levels of endocrine disruptors like bisphenol A can have an effect on androgens in the bloodstream. Endocrine disruptors in plastics (BPA, DEHP, and DBP) may affect the epigenetics of individuals with reproductive disorders and obesity, increasing their likelihood of passing these conditions on to their children. Ultimately, endocrine disruptors that appear to affect PCOS include:

• Bisphenol A
• phthalates
• Dioxins
• Phytoestrogens
• BPA
• DEHP
• DBP
• pesticides

Using Inositol Supplements 

A particularly important natural method for treating PCOS is inositol, a sugar-alcohol chemical compound found in fruits, beans, grains, and nuts (although not always bioavailable in these foods when presented with phytates). Inositol is found in the highest levels in melons and oranges. Most sources explore inositol in supplement form, but determining its properties can be somewhat challenging since there are two types of inositol (myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol). However, research seems to support the idea that inositol can significantly improve PCOS symptoms. Multiple studies have shown that supplementation can improve insulin resistance, reduce male hormones in the bloodstream, and lower blood pressure and high triglycerides. The recommended dosage for naturally treating polycystic ovary syndrome is a 40:1 myo-inositol:D-chiro-inositol ratio, typically 2000:50 grams or 4000:100 grams. Most importantly, inositol stimulates ovulation, which in turn supports fertility. In one study, only 6 percent of control group participants experienced a menstrual cycle, while 86 percent of participants in the inositol group experienced a menstrual cycle, results supported by follow-up research. Taking inositol supplements and eating foods containing this nutrient may help combat some of the mental risks associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Examples include:

• Depression
• Panic disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• Anxiety

Acupuncture 

Although many are skeptical, there is evidence that acupuncture can serve as a very beneficial complementary treatment for women with PCOS. A 2011 study involving four clinical acupuncture trials for PCOS found the following results:

Acupuncture treatment may play a role in improving Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) by increasing blood flow to the ovaries, reducing ovarian volume and the number of ovarian cysts, improving insulin sensitivity and controlling hyperglycemia by lowering blood sugar and insulin levels, reducing cortisol levels, and aiding in weight management. Another promising acupuncture option is electroacupuncture. A report from the Osher Centre for Integrative Medicine in Sweden, published in 2011, discovered that combining electroacupuncture (EA) with exercise resulted in improvements in sex hormone levels, menstrual frequency, and hyperandrogenism. In this clinical trial, EA performed better than exercise alone.

Taking High Vitamin D Supplements 

It is estimated that 67–85% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have vitamin D deficiency. While this deficiency is not a direct cause of the syndrome, it may contribute to many PCOS symptoms, such as insulin sensitivity, obesity, low luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, high triglycerides, and infertility. Some sources suggest that people may have a faulty vitamin D receptor that leads to conditions like PCOS and diabetes. Adding vitamin D to the daily routine has been observed to improve insulin sensitivity, increase weight loss success, slow the formation of ovarian cysts, regulate periods, minimize inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, lower cholesterol, reduce high triglycerides, and lower androgens in the bloodstream. Vitamin D has been studied in these cases both on its own and in combination with calcium or evening primrose oil.

Other supplements that may reduce PCOS symptoms 

In addition to inositol and vitamin D, which can significantly improve PCOS markers, there are a number of other supplements. Many sources suggest that it may be beneficial to try which of these works best for you (preferably under the supervision of your healthcare professional, of course). Other supplements that have been studied and found effective for polycystic ovary syndrome include:

• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Calcium
• Omega-3s
• Chrome
• N-acetylcysteine ​​(NAC)
• Folic acid
• Ashwagandha

Chiropractic Treatment

While evidence on this topic is somewhat limited, there are a few case study reports suggesting that chiropractic treatment has led to improvements in menstruation and fertility. Some of these subjects had a definitive diagnosis of PCOS, while others did not (though still had some symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome). In each case, the chiropractor reporting the case suggested that this indicates the need for well-designed clinical trials to see if these results can be replicated.

Ã-nlem and

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is complex, and not every woman responds to every type of treatment in the same way. As with any new supplement, diet, or exercise regimen, consult your healthcare professional before starting (and don't try to stop taking any medications on your own without supervision). Some PCOS supplements can mimic the effects of metformin, so it's important to ask about medical interactions for this or any other medications you're taking before adding supplements to your routine that could affect insulin function. Additionally, some mineral supplements, such as zinc, should not be taken in large doses for very long periods. Always read the instructions and precautions for individual supplements and only take the recommended doses.

Conclusion

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a very common condition responsible for a large proportion of female infertility in our modern world. However, there are many options to potentially manage and/or reverse this condition through natural means. The three main features of PCOS include excess male hormones, irregular or absent periods, and ovarian cysts. Symptoms and/or risk factors affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome include insulin resistance, high lipid levels (triglycerides and cholesterol), depression, diabetes, acne, and mental disorders such as hirsutism (male-pattern hair loss and growth).

While not every natural remedy will work the same way for every woman with PCOS, there are many natural remedies that can work effectively for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Here are a few examples:

1. Revamp your diet (with a ketogenic or anti-inflammatory diet).
2. Get enough rest.
3. Exercise properly.
4. Avoid exposure to endocrine disruptors.
5. taking inositol supplements
6. Try acupuncture.
7. Getting more vitamin D
8. Try other PCOS supplements (magnesium, zinc, calcium, omega-3s, chromium, N-acetylcysteine, and folic acid).
9. Try a chiropractic treatment.

Important Note: This text, healthline.com This text has been taken from and translated from the website. Habit Gıda AŞ bears no responsibility for the content of this text. This text is for informational purposes only, translated from English to Turkish, and is not intended to provide any health advice. Habit Gıda AŞ cannot be held responsible for any health problems that may arise in readers as a result of this text. Readers should not take any action regarding the content of this text without consulting their doctor about their own health condition. You should consult your doctor about all matters related to your health.