PCOS Epidemic — Which type of PCOS do you have?
If only schools taught us what a significant impact long-term chronic stress and lifestyle would have on the female reproductive system, I think most women today diagnosed with PCOS would have taken better care of themselves. Instead of knitting classes, maybe a course on nutrition & self-care/self-development would have helped a great deal! Teenagers, women in their 30s and even 40s line up at the gynaecologist’s clinic frantically waiting to find a miracle to get rid of all the symptoms. Our lifestyle and habits such as eating processed foods, mindless socialising, binge drinking, consuming large amounts of sugar, being in toxic relationships all play a role in leading to this syndrome. Since this article primarily focuses on women with PCOS, it’s quite clear to say that most of these “habits” can cause or contribute to any chronic disease.
Studies show that one in five women suffer from PCOS in India, and the debilitating symptoms that come with this condition can present itself in different ways. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal condition in reproductive women. It’s a syndrome and not a disease that sometimes may continue far beyond childbearing years. Before you panic and think you’re doomed if you have this condition, fret not because there are proven ways that can help you manage this condition. While doctors don’t know what exactly causes PCOS, most of them believe that it’s due to high levels of male hormones that prevent the ovaries from producing the right hormones or eggs. The other factors include genes, insulin resistance and inflammation are all linked to producing excess androgen (male hormone). You may be wondering if this is what you have or you’ve probably spent hours trying to make sense out of all your symptoms. If you’re reading this article, it’s apparent that you’re open to learning more about this condition because KNOWLEDGE IS TRUE POWER so that you can heal yourself and others who may be experiencing the same.
3 THINGS TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE PCOS:
1.Testing
TEST, don’t guess! While there’s no single test that can diagnose PCOS, it’s crucial to find a doctor who would be able to explain and correlate your symptoms with blood tests as well as an ultrasound to check if you have PCOS. The International evidence-based guidelines for the assessment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (2018) suggests that ultrasound should not be used for the diagnosis of PCOS in those below 8 years of age as there’s a high prevalence of multi-follicular ovaries in that stage of life.
2. Know your type
Although there’s an overlap of symptoms in the different types of PCOS, it’s imperative to remember that this could serve as a roadmap to begin your healing journey.
Insulin Resistant PCOS: With this type of PCOS, your body is less responsive to insulin, causing blood sugar imbalances. Excess insulin signals the ovaries to produce more testosterone instead of estrogen. It’s crucial to treat insulin resistance as unmanaged insulin levels can increase the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Some of the signs of insulin resistance include abdominal obesity, fatty liver, problems losing weight, chronic fatigue and high blood pressure. Eating healthy, regular exercise, along with supplements such as inositol and magnesium can help reverse insulin resistance.
Inflammatory PCOS: Inflammation is the body’s immune system response to protect you from harmful bacteria and viruses. However, research has found that chronic inflammation is a result when the immune system thinks that it is always under threat, thus affecting ovulation and hormones. There’s no definite answer as to what causes inflammation. However, stress, being overweight, unhealthy gut and over exercising could be some of the factors amongst others could cause inflammation in the body. Some of the signs include unexplained fatigue, joint pain, headaches and bowel issues such as SIBO or IBS. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet, avoiding over-exercising and eating fibre rich foods along with other lifestyle changes, can help lower inflammation.
Adrenal PCOS: The adrenal type of PCOS is usually due to an abnormal response to stress. Dr. Lara Briden, a Naturopathic doctor, states that many women exhibit an increase in all androgens such as testosterone, androstenedione from the ovaries and DHEA-S from the adrenal glands. But, she suggests that if you notice an increase in only DHEA-S and a normal aka “healthy” level of testosterone and androstenedione, you may have adrenal PCOS. Managing stress levels, having a bedtime routine and taking supplements such as magnesium, liquorice, B-vitamins (B5, B6, B12) and other adaptogen herbs can be helpful.
Pill induced PCOS: If your menstrual cycles were regular before taking the pill and you haven’t had one for at least three months, you may have pill-induced PCOS. Most women who have been on hormonal birth control pills may notice a temporary increase of androgen levels in the body after they’ve stopped taking them. However, doctors may consider this transient elevation as an indication for a PCOS diagnosis. Birth control pills usually deplete your vitamin and mineral levels, especially when taken over a long period. Hence, restoring your body with the right vitamins and minerals is a crucial part in regulating the cycle.
Hidden Cause of PCOS: Other hidden causes of PCOS include hypothyroidism, overeating soy, iodine deficiency, artificial sweeteners and a low carb diet can affect ovulation. Hypothyroidism is a condition that often goes undiagnosed as the symptoms are quite similar such as polycystic ovaries and elevated testosterone levels. Signs include brittle nails, cold hands and feet, hair loss and fatigue. Regular exercise, reducing stress, eliminating inflammatory foods such as junk foods and sugar as well as taking the right supplements under the guidance of a doctor can help restore normal thyroid functioning.
3. Now that you know the different types of PCOS. What’s next?
Find the ROOT CAUSE with the help of a health professional and take necessary steps tailored to meet your needs, you will begin to notice that your symptoms will improve and your body will eventually restore balance. It may have taken a while for your hormones to go out of whack, try and be patient as you begin healing your body. If you’ve heard people saying that PCOS is irreversible, think again because it’s just a myth. Dr. Robin Berzin, MD and Founder & CEO of Parsley Health has had many women regain their menstrual cycle through a mix of lifestyle changes, a healthy diet, stress management, better sleep and by using the right amount of supplements.
“Symptoms are not enemies to be destroyed but sacred messengers who encourage us to take better care of ourselves.” — Food Matters
If I had a magic wand that could make all your symptoms disappear, I WOULD! The symptoms may make you want to scream, curl up in bed and not deal with it at all. Instead of hating your body, it’s time to thank your body for giving you signs that you need to take better care of yourself. Following a healthy lifestyle and having a positive mindset can do wonders.
PS: Although these supplements aren’t harmful. You should always consult your doctor or educate yourself before you start taking any supplements.
IG — @Befettle
