Natural Solutions to PCOS - insulin resistance, weight loss & acne
What is PCOS, and what can we do about it? Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) describes a constellation of symptoms, althoughtwo out of three criteria must be met: impaired or no ovulation; excessive levels of“male” hormones and multiple (poly-) cysts on the ovaries. Symptoms commonly include menstrual difficulties; male-pattern hair loss or facial hair; acne; infertility and worst of all, miscarriages. Regardless of your symptom pattern, PCOS brings anything from annoying symptoms to heartbreak, especially if you’re trying to get pregnant. If you’re tired of getting nowhere, it may be time for a more natural or integrative approach.
The cause of PCOS is not very well understood yet, but what this syndrome teaches us is how the effects of our hormones are so interrelated. The high levels of “male” hormones can come about from multiple abnormalities in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. These can start in the ovaries or adrenals, and/or be caused in part by insulin levels. Most women with PCOS have insulin resistance, and many are overweight. Elevated insulin helps the cycle of hormone imbalance to continue, and often starts it in the first place.
When dealing with PCOS, the treatment goals are to relieve underlying issues such as insulin resistance, including being overweight or obese if you are; reducing androgen excess; promoting hormone balance and promoting ovulation. Changing your diet is likely to be a part of your treatment plan, as research has shown that a Mediterranean-style diet is associated with not only weight loss but also improved insulin parameters. This is higher in unsaturated fatty acids than a typical lower-kilojoule or lower GI diet, which is linked with better insulin and blood lipid profiles. And remember, “low-fat” packaged foods are often higher in sugar.
It may feel impossible to achieve when you’re both dealing with PCOS and desperate for a baby, but reducing and managing stress can go a long way with improving hormone balance. Cortisol, the main stress hormone, interferes with sex hormone balance, including by inhibiting luteinising hormone (which stimulates the ovaries) and reducing oestrogen production. So whether it’s yoga, guided meditation, herbs – whatever works for you (as long as it’s safe and healthy), go for it!
Of course, there are many herbal treatments we can use in PCOS, but the right ones for you must be determined through a naturopathic consultation. Two commonly used herbs are licorice and peony. Licorice helps to reduce excess male hormones, which can relieve symptoms like facial hair growth. Peony can reduce high testosterone too, as well as helping low progesterone and modulating oestrogen and prolactin. Liver herbs such as Schisandra are sometimes used too, to improve detoxification of hormones you’ve already produced. Hormones are meant to be removed and replaced constantly, and impairment of this can significantly affect your health.
How do I know if all this is working?
If you’re trying to get pregnant and are finally successful, we’d know that’s a good sign! Blood and hair tests can show improvement in biochemical markers, while daily symptoms are something you can monitor more regularly. We can also see how it’s working by temperature charting, as ovulation causes a small spike in body temperature.
The unpleasant PCOS symptom of acne is caused by hormonal imbalances and poor blood sugar control. This could reduce over time as the other aspects of PCOS are addressed, but there are some specific remedies for acne that can be used too. The ever-popular tea tree (melaleuca) oil has been shown in trials to be effective in relieving acne, as the bacteria species that contributes to it is particularly sensitive to the oil. Manuka honey has antibacterial properties too, including its ability to dry out microbes because of its high sugar concentration, and is also anti-inflammatory. Anti-inflammatories such as manuka honey, as well as herbs like calendula and aloe vera, can promote skin healing and take out the redness that makes acne so noticeable. Sometimes, acne may even help direct your treatment plan!
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), skin problems on different parts of the face can correspond to issues with different organs. For example, acne on the upper lip may indicate hormonal problems, while the jawline may mean liver detoxification issues. It is best used in conjunction with other information about your health.
In conclusion, PCOS is a complex issue, but it can be overcome in your quest for better health or a baby! If all of this sounds like you, you can book an appointment with me.
References
Sarris, J & Wardle, J. 2014. Clinical Naturopathy: An Evidence-Based Guide to Practice. Chatswood, NSW: Elsevier Australia.
Hechtman, L. 2014. Clinical Naturopathic Medicine. Chatswood, NSW: Elsevier Australia.
http://www.skintherapyletter.com/2010/15.10/1.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166/
http://www.doctoroz.com/article/chinese-face-reading-c