PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome) is an endocrine disorder that is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age and is a leading cause of infertility. It occurs among all races and nationalities. The primary features are lack of regular ovulation and irregular or absent periods. There is also an excessive amounts or effects of androgenic hormones. The symptoms and severity of the syndrome vary greatly between women. While the causes are unknown, insulin resistance (often secondary to obesity) is heavily correlated with PCOS.

Other symptoms may include acne, weights gain (but not always) or have trouble losing weight, male pattern baldness or thinning hair on the scalp, hair growth on the face, back, or chest or sometimes, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). About half of women with PCOS have high insulin and blood sugar levels called insulin resistance. When the body doesn't use insulin well, blood sugar builds to high levels. If not treated, this can lead to diabetes. High cholesterol levels are also common with PCOS.

In PCOS, there are multiple cysts in the ovaries, which are actually small, undeveloped follicles that have had their growth stunted. The cysts, as well as the connective tissue around them produce male hormones called androgens. Androgens are then released into the blood stream and alter the feedback within the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (HPO axis). The amount of estrogen then increases in relation to progesterone causing an increase in testosterone and Luteinizing hormone (LH).

Treating PCOS

The two most important key factors that any woman could do to lower her risk of PCOS is to eat heart-healthy, low glycemic foods, along with regular exercise.

Foods to Avoid:

• Cut out all forms of refined sugar
• Cut out all refined (simple) carbohydrates. Follow the Full Spectrum Diet. This says to cut out all white foods, which include all white bread, rice, pasta, low fiber foods, most breakfast cereals and rice cakes.
• Reduce animal products and fats
• Avoid all soda, fruit juice and sugary drinks
• Avoid milk and dairy products
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine
• Avoid fertility diets that suggest you eat large amounts of yams. This is not appropriate for PCOS
• Reduce the intake of oily, fried, and sugary foods, fried snacks and fast foods
• Do not miss meals; and do not starve in terms of total quantity of food

Foods You Should Eat:

• Eat adequate amounts of protein
• Eat as much fresh vegetables as you can
• Eat foods, which nourish the liver such as dark green vegetables, lemons, carrots and beets
• Eat fruit light in sugar and sweetness such as berries
• Eat complex carbohydrates (lower glycemic carbohydrates), which tend to have more fiber such as bran cereal, brown rice, whole wheat, whole-grains and nuts and grains like quinoa, whole oats, and bulgur.

These foods help women with PCOS to maintain steady blood sugar and insulin levels and may assist in weight loss. A diet composed of mainly low-GI foods will also help to combat the effects of insulin resistance.

Supplements and Herbs

• Chlorophyl helps reduce symptoms of hypoglycemia without raising blood glucose levels
• Include supplements that help improve insulin resistance such as B vitamins, magnesium, alpha lipoic acid and chromium. Chromium increases the sensitivity of insulin receptors. Recommended dosage is 300 micrograms/day.
• Essential fatty acids, including flax oil, evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis), and black currant oil, act as anti-inflammatory and hormonal regulators.
• Supplementation with antioxidants, including zinc, and vitamins A, E, and C, is also recommended.
• Western herbal medicine uses phytoestrogen and phytoprogesteronic herbs, such as blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) and false unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum), as well as liver herbs, like dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum), to work toward hormonal balance.

Acupuncture works on the body's energy flow according to the meridian system. Chinese herbs, such as gui zhi fu ling wan, can be effective.

In naturopathic medicine, treatment focuses on helping the liver function more optimally in the hormonal balancing process.

Exercise is the second most important key to PCOS. Exercise helps the body's cells use glucose as energy, reducing blood glucose levels. A structured exercise plan can help the body use insulin more efficiently and gradually reduce insulin levels. Regular exercise also improves circulation, reduces blood pressure, increases levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), your good cholesterol and helps with weight loss.

Copyright 2007 Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac. is the founder of ProAcuMed Inc. Acupuncture and Herbal Clinic in New York City. He has chronicles his lifeworks into an alternative health and wellness website, Peacefulmind.com