PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, might sound like something from a movie, but for the millions of women dealing with it, it's all too real. That doesn’t mean we can’t make learning about it light and empowering! So, what exactly is PCOS, why does it happen, and how can we manage it holistically and medically?
Let’s break it down!
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It’s caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones, which leads to issues with the ovaries. Typically, the ovaries produce eggs to be released each month as part of the menstrual cycle. In women with PCOS, these eggs may not develop properly or may not be released during ovulation, leading to irregular periods or no periods at all. This is where the "cysts" part of the name comes in—although many women with PCOS don't have ovarian cysts at all.
Common Symptoms of PCOS
While every woman is different, some common symptoms include:
Irregular periods or no periods at all (this can also make it harder to get pregnant).
Excess androgens: Higher levels of male hormones can cause excess facial and body hair, acne, and thinning hair on the scalp. This can look like female pattern hair loss.
Weight gain: Many women with PCOS experience weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
Ovarian cysts: Not every woman with PCOS will have them, but these are small fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries.
Insulin resistance: This can make it harder to lose weight and increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Why Does PCOS Happen?
Doctors are still scratching their heads about the exact cause of PCOS, but we do know that it’s linked to hormonal imbalances, particularly with insulin and androgens.
Insulin Resistance: Insulin is the hormone that allows your body to use sugar from food for energy. In women with PCOS, the body becomes less responsive to insulin (insulin resistance), causing the body to produce more insulin. This excess insulin can trigger the ovaries to produce more androgens, which contributes to symptoms like acne, excessive hair growth, and irregular periods.
Genetics: You can thank Mom and Dad for this one. PCOS tends to run in families, so if your mom, aunt, or sister has it, you’re more likely to develop it too.
How Many Women Have PCOS?
Many women of childbearing age are affected by PCOS, making it one of the most common endocrine disorders in women. According to the CDC, up to 5 million women in the United States alone are dealing with PCOS. That’s a lot of women with hormonal chaos going on! So, you’re not alone.
How Does PCOS Affect Your Life?
PCOS is more than just a fertility issue. It can have a wide range of effects, including:
Emotional Impact: Dealing with unpredictable periods, body changes, and the emotional rollercoaster of hormone fluctuations can be tough. Many women with PCOS also experience anxiety and depression.
Long-term Health Risks: PCOS increases the risk of developing serious health issues later in life, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and uterine cancer if left unmanaged.
But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to manage PCOS and take control of your health!
Holistic and Medical Treatments for PCOS
There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for PCOS, but a combination of lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and medical treatments can help manage symptoms.
Holistic Treatments:
Scalp Treatments:
Hair Loss Shampoo's with DHT blockers like XYON Women's Active Performance Shampoo are a great way to treat the scalp topically. Use code: Tabitha for 15% off
Topical Growth Factors like 3X - can help stimulate hair follicles and promote stronger, healthier hair. Growth factors are proteins that play a crucial role in regulating cell growth, which includes promoting hair growth. Use code: Tabithahair for a discount.
Nutrition:
Eating a balanced diet that’s rich in fiber, healthy fats, and lean proteins can help stabilize blood sugar levels and support hormone balance.
Avoid processed sugars and refined carbs, which can spike insulin levels and worsen symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory diet. Foods like leafy greens, berries, and fatty fish (hello, salmon!) are great for managing inflammation, a common issue in women with PCOS.
Some experts recommend focusing on a low glycemic index (GI) diet, which can improve insulin resistance
Exercise:
Regular physical activity helps lower insulin levels and improves overall health. Whether it’s yoga, weight training, or just taking a walk, find what you love and keep moving.
Stress Management:
Hormonal imbalances can be worsened by stress, so adding some stress-busting routines like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even a creative hobby (adult coloring books, anyone?) can help balance hormones.
Medical Treatments:
Birth Control Pills: These are often prescribed to help regulate periods and reduce excess androgen levels, which can help with acne and hair growth.
Spironolactone: This medication helps reduce excess androgen levels and can reduce acne and excessive hair growth, but it’s not recommended if you're trying to conceive.
Books to Learn More About PCOS
If you want to dive deeper into understanding and managing PCOS, here are some great books that can help:
The PCOS Plan: Prevent and Reverse Polycystic Ovary Syndrome through Diet and Fasting by Dr. Jason Fung and Nadia Brito Pateguana: This book explains the role of diet, fasting, and insulin resistance in PCOS, providing actionable steps for improving symptoms.
PCOS SOS: A Gynecologist's Lifeline To Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones, and Happiness by Dr. Felice Gersh: A holistic guide to understanding PCOS and balancing hormones through lifestyle changes.
While PCOS can throw your hormones and your life for a loop, there are ways to manage it that can help you feel like yourself again. Whether you go the holistic route, the medical route, or a combination of both, it’s all about finding what works for your body.
Remember, you’re not alone—millions of women are navigating the ups and downs of PCOS. With the right tools, lifestyle changes, and a little patience, you can manage your symptoms and live your best life!
Tabitha
Comments