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Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

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POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Description

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder characterized by the excessive production of androgens (male hormones) and the presence of ovarian cysts, which disrupt normal ovarian function. This imbalance leads to irregular menstrual cycles, causing irregular periods or even anovulation, where eggs may not be released regularly. Common symptoms of PCOS include excessive body hair, abdominal weight gain, acne, oily skin, hair loss, and fertility challenges. PCOS is often associated with insulin resistance, which increases the risk of metabolic complications such as type 2 diabetes. Elevated levels of testosterone can further impair reproductive function, complicating conception for many women. The diverse nature of PCOS requires a comprehensive management approach that addresses both hormonal imbalances and metabolic health. Early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies, including lifestyle changes, medications, and hormonal therapy, are essential to improving reproductive and overall well-being for those affected by PCOS.

Body System

woman-holding-uterus-ovaries-model-polycystic-ovary-syndrome

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1. Inositol: Inositol, especially myo-inositol, improves insulin sensitivity and supports ovarian function, helping to regulate menstrual cycles. When paired with alpha-lipoic acid, it enhances metabolic balance.

2. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine [NAC]: N-acetyl-L-cysteine [NAC] improves insulin sensitivity, promoting better menstrual regularity and ovulation. Its antioxidant properties further support hormonal and metabolic health.

3. Omega 3: Omega-3 reduces inflammation and improves insulin sensitivity, aiding in the regulation of cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It also supports hormonal balance, which may help address symptoms related to PCOS.

4. Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in supporting glucose and lipid metabolism, particularly in women with low levels. It helps regulate menstrual cycles and follicular development, supporting ovarian health and hormonal balance.

5. Zinc: Zinc is essential for balancing hormones, improving ovarian function, and regulating insulin sensitivity. It also reduces inflammation, which can alleviate some PCOS-related symptoms like hirsutism.

6. Magnesium: Magnesium supports hormonal balance by reducing testosterone levels, BMI, and inflammation markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), improving metabolic health and insulin sensitivity.

7. Chromium: Chromium, particularly in its picolinate form, improves insulin sensitivity and glycemic control, helping manage insulin resistance and metabolic symptoms.

8. Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Alpha-lipoic acid enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces oxidative stress, especially when combined with myo-inositol, providing better metabolic function and hormonal balance.

1. Berberine Extract: Berberine enhances insulin sensitivity in ovarian theca cells by increasing Glut-4 expression, promoting better ovulation rates and overall reproductive health.

2. Saw Palmetto Extract: Saw palmetto helps reduce elevated androgen levels, addressing symptoms like acne and hirsutism, while promoting hormonal balance and improving skin health.

3. Monk's Pepper Extract: Monk's pepper regulates menstrual cycles by lowering prolactin and balancing luteinizing hormone (LH), which supports better ovarian function and reduces menstrual irregularities.

4. Cinnamon: Cinnamon improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar levels, providing metabolic benefits for individuals struggling with insulin resistance.

5. Spearmint Tea: Spearmint tea helps reduce androgen levels and alleviate symptoms like hirsutism while promoting overall hormonal balance, offering natural support for metabolic health.

6. Spearmint Essential Oil: Spearmint essential oil helps reduce androgen levels and improve symptoms like hirsutism. Its effects on hormonal balance can be enhanced when combined with other treatments.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar supports insulin sensitivity and helps regulate menstrual cycles. Its role in improving glycemic control may also reduce symptoms related to hormonal imbalances.

2. Flaxseed Oil: Flaxseed, including flaxseed oil and flaxseed flour, helps reduce androgen levels and improve insulin sensitivity, promoting hormonal balance and reducing symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles. 

1. Acupuncture: Acupuncture improves insulin sensitivity, regulates menstrual cycles, and promotes ovulation by targeting key acupoints such as SP6 (Sanyinjiao) on the inner leg, ST29 (Guilai) on the lower abdomen, CV4 (Guanyuan) below the navel, LI4 (Hegu) on the hand, and LV3 (Taichong) on the foot, supporting reproductive health and relieving symptoms.

2. Yoga: Yoga reduces stress, improves insulin resistance, and balances hormones, helping alleviate irregular periods and promote metabolic health through mindful movement and relaxation.

4. Relaxation Techniques: Relaxation techniques like mindfulness and meditation help reduce stress, improving quality of life and indirectly supporting hormonal balance and insulin sensitivity.

Supplements

Plant Extracts

Natural Compounds

Alternative Treatments

Symptoms & Signs

Causes

Hormonal Imbalances, Insulin Resistance, Obesity, Excess Androgen, Systemic Inflammation, oral Contraceptives

Books That You May Want To Read

How Nutrients Function

Amino Acids: Amino acids serve as the building blocks of proteins, crucial for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, they play key roles in maintaining proper pH levels, storing nitrogen, synthesizing hormones, and facilitating enzymatic reactions.


Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular ailments. They safeguard DNA integrity, slow down aging processes, and support overall cellular health.


Electrolytes: Electrolytes carry charged ions essential for transmitting nerve impulses, regulating muscle function, and maintaining fluid balance. They are pivotal in supporting hydration, nerve signaling, and overall physiological balance.


Fatty Acids: Fatty acids serve as energy sources, structural components of cell membranes, and precursors to signaling molecules. Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, play critical roles in brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation regulation.


Fruit Extracts: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, fruit extracts offer numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-boosting properties. They also support digestive health and contribute to overall well-being.


Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.


Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.


Other Nutrients: Other nutrients encompass a wide array of essential compounds crucial for various physiological functions. This category includes neurotransmitters and their precursors, which facilitate nerve signaling and are vital for central nervous system function. Additionally, naturally occurring structural components and biological detergents, such as phospholipids and bile salts, play critical roles in tissue repair, fat digestion, and overall bodily function. Phospholipids contribute to cell membrane integrity and fat emulsification, while bile salts are key to digesting and absorbing dietary fats. Hormones and their precursors regulate numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Furthermore, naturally occurring chemicals and metals play pivotal roles in enzymatic reactions, immune function, and overall health maintenance.


Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.

Nutrients Explained In Nutritional Guide

Podcast Episodes To Listen To

Educational Videos To Learn From

Functional Lab Tests That You Might Consider

References

Things To Do

The dietary recommendations for PCOS include:


  • a whole-foods-based diet consisting of fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats.

  • a high-fiber, low-carb diet, which helps manage insulin resistance, reduce weight, and deliver essential micronutrients.

  • fruits and vegetables with a low glycemic index.

  • cruciferous vegetables, which contain a compound, Indole-3-Carbinol, that helps process estrogen.

  • whole foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and help control the symptoms of PCOS.

  • whole foods rich in anti-inflammatory compounds. They can help manage systemic inflammation in the body.

  • whole foods containing antioxidants. Antioxidants play a role in decreasing adrogen levels and counteracting the effects of oxidative stress.

  • whole foods rich in B vitamins. They help lower homocysteine levels, regulate hormones, and reduce inflammation.

  • whole foods rich in zinc. Zinc helps regulate blood sugar levels and hormone secretion.

  • whole foods rich in magnesium. Magnesium plays a role in blood sugar regulation, reduces testosterone levels, and aids in proper sleep.

  • whole foods rich in chromium. Chromium is effective in regulating blood sugar levels.

  • probiotic foods. They help maintain a healthy gut, play a role in weight loss, and boost immune function.

  • stay hydrated. Drink quality mineral water, green tea, and herbal tea.

  • have a regular eating regimen. Fixed meal times will allow you to keep control of your blood sugar levels. Practice mindful eating.


Furthermore, do the following:


  • Choose organic, grass-fed, pasture-raised produce and meat.

  • exercise regularily. Cardio, HIIT, and strength exercises are all recommended for PCOS patients.

  • practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga, mindfulness, and meditation.

  • Take care of your mental health. Address the symptoms of anxiety and depression. An altered mental state is also associated with PCOS.

  • Get quality sleep and follow your circadian rhythm. It helps optimize hormone secretion.

  • get daily fresh air and sun exposure. Low vitamin D levels are associated with the development of PCOS.

  • maintain a healthy weight and blood glucose levels.

Things To Avoid

Avoid the following foods to better manage your condition:


  • processed, junk, and fast foods. They cause spikes in blood sugar levels and aggravate the symptoms of PCOS.

  • xenoestrogens [phytoestrogenes] found in soybeans, soy products, beans, lentils, oats, flax seeds, flaxseed oil, etc. Xenoestrogens mimic estrogen in the human body and raise its levels, leading to reproductive disorders.

  • refined carbohydrates, which contribute to the development of insulin resistance, weight gain, and poor gut health.

  • sugar, artificial sweeteners, candy, desserts, etc. Sugar contributes to a wide range of metabolic disorders, including: obesity, NAFLD, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, etc.

  • Caffeine can impact your hormone levels. Some people are able to have a cup of coffee without any additional symptoms, and others have to give it up completely.

  • Alcohol, which negatively impacts blood glucose levels, inflammation, and weight.

  • Trans fats, which are inflammatory and contribute to poor gut health.


Additionally, avoid the following:


  • sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity.

  • becoming overweight, obese, isulin-resistant, diabetic, and metabolically unhealthy.

  • endocrine disruptors [synthetic xenoestrogens], such as bisphenols, triclosans, phtalates, and parabens. They can be found in household cleaning supplies, plastic containers, body, hair, and skin care products, etc.

  • conventionally farmed meats, which are treated with hormones.

  • smoking, which causes systemic inflammation.

  • social isolation, which can aggravate the symptoms of depression.

  • poor sleep hygiene, which can negatively affect your night's rest.

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