Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common female hormonal disorders, globally affecting five to ten percent of reproductive-age women. With PCOS, the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens or male sex hormones that are usually only present in women in small amounts. The term “polycystic ovary” describes the numerous small cysts that may form in the ovaries, visible through ultrasound. The most common symptoms include acne, facial or body hair, weight gain, hair thinning, and irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
Until the mid-nineties, not much attention was given to this condition. In 2003 more definitive diagnostic criteria were finally established. This included noting the presence of two out of three conditions: irregular or absent ovulation cycles (a condition in which no egg is released for ovulation), the presence of numerous ovarian cysts, and clinically elevated levels of androgens. Since then, studies are reporting a higher prevalence of PCOS globally, with as many as one in ten women affected. With growing rates of global infertility, PCOS is one of the most common causes–and many women only discover they have this condition while battling infertility issues. In fact, up to eight percent of women with PCOS are infertile.
What causes PCOS? The most common treatment of PCOS in conventional medicine gives away a significant “chunk” of the picture: the same medication used in diabetes management, Metformin, is prescribed. What does this mean?
Most women with PCOS have insulin resistance. While genetic factors can increase susceptibility, insulin resistance is caused by the overconsumption of sugars and carbohydrates. Blood sugar passage into cells is controlled by a pancreatic hormone called insulin. Excess blood sugar levels cause “dumping” of insulin into the bloodstream, over time leading to desensitization of cells. Insulin levels build up, and since Insulin triggers the release of androgens in the ovaries, PCOS is the result.
Interestingly, separate studies show that a low carbohydrate and sugar diet significantly increases fertility, as does weight loss. PCOS could be an important component of this correlation.
We also see our reproductive-age women in first world countries frequently stressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted. The excessive use of caffeine, including coffee beverages and energy drinks, in addition to sugary foods to mask fatigue and increase energy supply, is rampant. These factors play into our “fight or flight” response and cause the release of adrenal hormones that further drive up blood sugars, contributing to the overall condition.
In truth, this is good news. Rather than masking the condition life-long with medication, PCOS is a condition that can be treated. At Vital Health, we reverse the damaging effects of PCOS with diet changes and targeted herbs or supplements that rebalance hormones and regulate blood sugar. In addition, for fertility support we utilize acupuncture for even greater success. Numerous clinical trials have shown the beneficial effects of acupuncture on ovarian dysfunction and on reducing stress and insulin hormones in the body. You can heal!
©2023 Darcy Greenwald, M.S.O.M., L.Ac. and Vital Health
