Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Also known as PCOS, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects how the ovaries work. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is surprisingly common (25% of adult women) and mainly affects a woman's ability to ovulate.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms will usually become apparent in your late teens or early 20’s.
Symptoms include:
Irregular periods or no periods at all
Difficulty getting pregnant
Excessive hair growth
Weight gain
Thinning hair or hair loss
Oily skin or acne
PCOS is also associated with an increased risk of developing health problems in later life, such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels. If not managed sufficiently, PCOS can contribute to further health risks such as diabetes and heart disease.
Causes
Unfortunately, the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, however, it often runs in families. Generally, it is related to abnormal hormone levels in the body, including high levels of insulin.
Diagnosis
PCOS is formally diagnosed if you meet two of the three criteria:
Irregular periods or no periods at all
Excess androgens, identified either via symptoms or through a blood test
Multiple small 'cysts' on the ovaries, as shown in an ultrasound
The common drivers of PCOS involve insulin resistance, inflammation, stopping the oral contraceptive pill and STRESS. You can also test for PCOS with hormone testing, blood tests and a glucose tolerance test.
How it is treated conventionally?
Medicines are available to treat symptoms such as excessive hair growth, irregular periods and fertility problems. If fertility medicines are not effective, a surgical procedure called Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling (LOD) may be recommended. LOD involved using heat or lasers to destroy the tissue in the ovaries that are producing androgens, such as testosterone.
How does Surrey Centre for Nutrition work with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
As with most imbalances that occur within the human body PCOS is a multifaceted hormonal imbalance that results often from multiple underlying contributory factors. Here at the Surrey Centre for Nutrition we will dig deep to understand these factors and target them through dietary, and lifestyle advice. An integrative approach is required when addressing PCOS and the hormonal imbalances present.
By tackling the root cause of hormonal imbalance, the Functional Medicine approach to PCOS works to restore ovulation. This, combined with other natural methods of boosting fertility, can help you conceive when you want to.
Managing PCOS requires a multi-targeted approach. Here are some of the areas of health we will address while working together to help you take control of your PCOS and achieve your health goals; identify stress and mediating your body’s stress response, often with nutritional, supplement and with lifestyle recommendations; support Gut Health to reduce systemic inflammation and improve absorption of key nutrients; manage weight to reduce the inflammation ass coaited with excess body fat and/or obesity; balance blood sugars to improve insulin sensitivity - this is absolutely fundamental to addressing PCOS, and often the key in bringing a client back to health; support detoxification - and reducing environmental toxicity and toxic body burden to reduce systemic inflammatory processes and allow the body to take control of hormone levels; address food intolerance/sensitivity to reduce inflammation; we will also look at supplements to support hormonal control where necessary.
Are you ready to work with us to reach your health goals?
If you or someone you know is suffering from the symptoms or conditions listed above, Surrey Centre for Nutrition may be able to help. We typically work with clients for 3-6 months depending on your health concerns. Are you interested in working with us?
Book a discovery call to see how the Surrey Centre for Nutrition can help
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