Everything about PCOS

May 11, 2022 Dr Marie-Christine Dix

Everything you need to know about PCOS

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal condition that women can get during their childbearing years. It is the most common endocrine disorder. The syndrome is named after the characteristic cysts which may form on the ovaries, though it is important to note that this is a sign and not the underlying cause of the disorder. International evidence found that the prevalence of PCOS could be as high as 26% among some populations.

It can also:

Stop your periods or make them hard to predict
Cause acne and unwanted body and facial hair
Raise your risk of other health problems, including diabetes and high blood pressure.

Hormones and PCOS

When you have PCOS, your reproductive hormones are out of balance. This can lead to problems with your ovaries, such as not having your period on time or not getting it for long periods. Your body makes hormones to make different things happen. Some affect your menstrual cycle and are tied to your ability to have a baby.

The hormones that play a role in PCOS include:

Androgens. They’re often called male hormones, but women have them, too. Women with PCOS tend to have higher levels.

Insulin. This hormone manages your blood sugar. If you have PCOS, your body might not react to insulin the way it should.

Progesterone. With PCOS, your body may not have enough of this hormone. You might miss your periods for a long time or have trouble predicting when they’ll come.

Symptoms of PCOS

The most common PCOS symptoms are missed, irregular, infrequent, or prolonged periods.

Excess androgens can cause:

Hair loss or hair thinning
Hair in places you don’t want it (like on your face)
Acne
Darkened skin or excess skin (skin tags) on the neck or in the armpits
Mood changes
Pelvic pain
Weight gain

PCOS Diagnosis, Testing & Examination Protocol:

You can manage your PCOS!

No single test can diagnose PCOS. Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms and medical history and by doing a physical exam, and possibly a pelvic exam.

They might give you blood tests to measure your hormone levels, blood sugar, and cholesterol. An ultrasound can check your ovaries for cysts, look for tumors, and measure the lining of your uterus.

You don’t have to be scared. If you recognise any of the above symptoms reach out to me. Let’s discover your options and the road to recovery. Let’s create an acute care plan for you followed by rehabilitation for your endocrine system than focuses on management then maintenance.

PCOS Treatment

Treatments can help you manage the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and lower your odds for long-term health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

You can book a FREE 15 MIN SESSION to discover how I can help you feel and function better. When it comes to PCOS there are many avenues that can help improve symptoms.

If you want to tame PCOS-related acne, your treatment would be geared toward skin problems. We can do that.

If you are looking to fall pregnant we can focus and customise your PCOS protocol and combine it with Trimester 0!

My PCOS protocols are complex but to share some ideas with you your treatment care could focus on reducing high blood sugar, giving you a meal plan to follow, recipes, coaching around the symptoms and how to manage them. Natural medicine, herbs, oils and other supplementation tools.

What happens when PCOS is ignored?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition experienced by one out of 10 women of childbearing age. PCOS can also lead to other serious health challenges, such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, depression, and an increased risk of endometrial cancer.

Two ways that diet affects PCOS are weight management and insulin production and resistance. People with PCOS may have insulin resistance. In fact, more than 50 percent of those with PCOS develop diabetes or pre-diabetes before the age of 40. Diabetes is directly related to how the body processes insulin.

A diagnosis of PCOS suggests an increased risk of the following:

Endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine lining) are possible, due to overaccumulation of uterine lining, and also lack of progesterone
Insulin resistance/Type II diabetes. A review published in 2010 concluded that women with PCOS have an elevated prevalence of insulin resistance and type II diabetes, even when controlling for body mass index.
PCOS also makes a woman at higher risk for diabetes.
High blood pressure, in particular if obese or during pregnancy
Depression and anxiety
Dyslipidemia – disorders of lipid metabolism — cholesterol and triglycerides.
Cardiovascular disease
Stroke
Weight gain
Miscarriage
Sleep apnea, particularly if obesity is present
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, particularly if obesity is present
Acanthosis nigricans (patches of darkened skin under the arms, in the groin area, on the back of the neck)
Autoimmune thyroiditis
The risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer

The cause of PCOS.

PCOS is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. PCOS may be related to or worsened by exposures during the prenatal period, epigenetic factors, environmental impacts (especially industrial endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A.- Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound primarily used in the manufacture of various plastics.)

PCOS DIET

A healthful PCOS diet can also include the following foods:

natural, unprocessed foods
high-fiber foods
fatty fish, including salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel
kale, spinach, and other dark, leafy greens
dark red fruits, such as red grapes, blueberries, blackberries, and cherries
broccoli and cauliflower
dried beans, lentils, and other legumes
healthful fats, such as olive oil, as well as avocados and coconuts
nuts, including pine nuts, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios
dark chocolate in moderation
spices, such as turmeric and cinnamon

There are different rules around dieting for PCOS.

First and foremost we need to learn more about you and your condition as there are likely multifactorial areas that need supporting and customising your meal plan is always the best idea.

Book a FREE 15-min consultation here to get started.

4 types of PCOS: Here’s a breakdown of the 4 types of PCOS:

1. INSULIN-RESISTANT TYPE: Leads to a decreased ability to properly manage your blood sugar. Too much insulin can impair ovulation and tells the ovaries to produce more testosterone instead of estrogen. It also stimulates your pituitary gland to make more luteinizing hormone. Balancing blood sugar is very important here !!! Improving DIET and NUTRITION is the solution. Essential oils that can support this protocol are: zengest, cinnamon, fennel, slim and sassy, rosemary. Supplements: Flax seed, phytoestrogens, pomegranate.

2. INFLAMMATORY TYPE: Leads to increased problems with the digestive system such as IBS, fatigue, headaches, joint pain, skin conditions, food sensitivities (read my article on leaky gut to find out why hormonal issues can be linked to gut dysfunction). It is important to note this type of PCOS may not present with changes to periods, so may not be picked up so easily by your GP unless they are running hormone labs for other reasons! My specific protocols to support the body in reducing inflammation are multi faceted and consist of using therapeutic grade aromatherapy tools, herbs, breathwork, meditation, dietary changes, supplementation and advice on detoxification.

3. POST BIRTH CONTROL SYNDROME: Whilst not a “type” of PCOS, this “collection of symptoms” that can be seen to mimic PCOS can occur in some people when they stop taking hormonal birth control. Symptoms can include menstrual changes, weight gain, acne, hair loss and fertility difficulties. Some medical professionals believe that it is the body adjusting to the change in hormones following stopping the pill and suggest that these usually resolve in a few months. Whilst medicine such as the pill can be helpful in supporting some women to manage hormonal symptoms or as a means for birth control, there can also be a downside. If you are looking to fall pregnant for instance it can take some time for your hormones to get back into a normal balance following using the pill. Get in touch if you would like support in gaining balance to your hormonal system. There is lots that can be done safely and naturally that supports your whole system.

4. ADRENAL TYPE This type is characterized by high levels of androgens, which can indicate an adrenal type of PCOS. The adrenal type of PCOS is driven by an abnormal stress response versus an impaired insulin or blood sugar response as seen in the insulin-resistant type of PCOS. Not sure which “type” you are or may be? Get in touch for a full health MOT and lets get you not only feeling better but functioning better too!

Managing PCOS - PCOS Tools: Essential Oils for Balancing Hormones: (image)

Clary sage
Peppermint
Frankincense
Rosemary
Geranium
Thyme just to mention a few.

The above oils are used depending on the specific hormone health challenges.

Some important facts to know about oils when you are choosing them:

Plant quality: Does the company use high-quality plants to produce their essential oils? Are chemicals and pesticides used in plant care?

Production practices: Does the company have safety procedures in place to guard against contamination during the production process? Are oils adulterated or are synthetic fillers added to cut costs?

Testing methods: Does the company test each batch of essential oil? Is impartial, third-party testing used? Are test results available to the public?

Storage and handling: Are the oils carefully processed, packaged, and stored to avoid chemical alterations caused by exposure to heat or light? (Amber bottles are typically the best option for essential oil storage.)

Spearmint essential oil for PCOS?

Spearmint has wonderful benefits for women with #PCOS.

Applying only 1 drop of spearmint essential oil has anti-androgen effects for women with PCOS. It may lower testosterone levels but boosts FSH hormone levels which you need when you are trying to get pregnant. It helps to improve follicular development and ovulation.

I sell therapeutic oils here. https://drmariechristinedix.com/shop

NOTE: Synthetic essential oils are dangerous for your health and it is not what I am recommending. As a professional, I only work with the highest quality of products that I have personally tried and tested and use with clients in my health clinic.

What is PCOS?

It can also:

Stop your periods or make them hard to predict

Cause acne and unwanted body and facial hair

Raise your risk of other health problems, including diabetes and high blood pressure.

Hormones and PCOS

The hormones that play a role in PCOS include:

Androgens. They’re often called male hormones, but women have them, too. Women with PCOS tend to have higher levels.

Insulin. This hormone manages your blood sugar. If you have PCOS, your body might not react to insulin the way it should.

Progesterone. With PCOS, your body may not have enough of this hormone. You might miss your periods for a long time or have trouble predicting when they’ll come.

Symptoms of PCOS

The most common PCOS symptoms are missed, irregular, infrequent, or prolonged periods.

Excess androgens can cause:

Hair loss or hair thinning

Hair in places you don’t want it (like on your face)

Acne

Darkened skin or excess skin (skin tags) on the neck or in the armpits

Mood changes

Pelvic pain

Weight gain

PCOS Diagnosis, Testing & Examination Protocol:

You can manage your PCOS!

No single test can diagnose PCOS. Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms and medical history and by doing a physical exam, and possibly a pelvic exam.

They might give you blood tests to measure your hormone levels, blood sugar, and cholesterol. An ultrasound can check your ovaries for cysts, look for tumors, and measure the lining of your uterus.

You don’t have to be scared. If you recognise any of the above symptoms reach out to me. Let’s discover your options and the road to recovery. Let’s create an acute care plan for you followed by rehabilitation for your endocrine system than focuses on management then maintenance.

PCOS Treatment

Treatments can help you manage the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and lower your odds for long-term health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

You can book a FREE 15 MIN SESSION to discover how I can help you feel and function better. When it comes to PCOS there are many avenues that can help improve symptoms.

If you want to tame PCOS-related acne, your treatment would be geared toward skin problems. We can do that.

If you are looking to fall pregnant we can focus and customise your PCOS protocol and combine it with Trimester 0!

My PCOS protocols are complex but to share some ideas with you your treatment care could focus on reducing high blood sugar, giving you a meal plan to follow, recipes, coaching around the symptoms and how to manage them. Natural medicine, herbs, oils and other supplementation tools.

What happens when PCOS is ignored?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition experienced by one out of 10 women of childbearing age. PCOS can also lead to other serious health challenges, such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, depression, and an increased risk of endometrial cancer.

A diagnosis of PCOS suggests an increased risk of the following:

Endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine lining) are possible, due to overaccumulation of uterine lining, and also lack of progesterone

Insulin resistance/Type II diabetes. A review published in 2010 concluded that women with PCOS have an elevated prevalence of insulin resistance and type II diabetes, even when controlling for body mass index.

PCOS also makes a woman at higher risk for diabetes.

High blood pressure, in particular if obese or during pregnancy

Depression and anxiety

Dyslipidemia – disorders of lipid metabolism — cholesterol and triglycerides.

Cardiovascular disease

Stroke

Weight gain

Miscarriage

Sleep apnea, particularly if obesity is present

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, particularly if obesity is present

Acanthosis nigricans (patches of darkened skin under the arms, in the groin area, on the back of the neck)

Autoimmune thyroiditis

The risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer

The cause of PCOS.

PCOS DIET

A healthful PCOS diet can also include the following foods:

natural, unprocessed foods

high-fiber foods

fatty fish, including salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel

kale, spinach, and other dark, leafy greens

dark red fruits, such as red grapes, blueberries, blackberries, and cherries

broccoli and cauliflower

dried beans, lentils, and other legumes

healthful fats, such as olive oil, as well as avocados and coconuts

nuts, including pine nuts, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios

dark chocolate in moderation

spices, such as turmeric and cinnamon

There are different rules around dieting for PCOS.

First and foremost we need to learn more about you and your condition as there are likely multifactorial areas that need supporting and customising your meal plan is always the best idea.

Book a FREE 15-min consultation here to get started.

4 types of PCOS: Here’s a breakdown of the 4 types of PCOS:

Managing PCOS - PCOS Tools: Essential Oils for Balancing Hormones: (image)

Clary sage

Peppermint

Frankincense

Rosemary

Geranium

Thyme just to mention a few.

The above oils are used depending on the specific hormone health challenges.

Some important facts to know about oils when you are choosing them:

Plant quality: Does the company use high-quality plants to produce their essential oils? Are chemicals and pesticides used in plant care?

Production practices: Does the company have safety procedures in place to guard against contamination during the production process? Are oils adulterated or are synthetic fillers added to cut costs?

Testing methods: Does the company test each batch of essential oil? Is impartial, third-party testing used? Are test results available to the public?

Storage and handling: Are the oils carefully processed, packaged, and stored to avoid chemical alterations caused by exposure to heat or light? (Amber bottles are typically the best option for essential oil storage.)