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Publications On Natural Health

28/5/2018

PCOS uncovered: How to Recognize, Test, and Treat PCOS Naturally

PCOS
     Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal health issues in women, affecting an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Many women are first diagnosed when they are having difficulty trying to conceive, but PCOS presents with many other symptoms, like hair loss, acne, hirsutism, and weight gain. These symptoms can affect a woman's health even beyond trying to get pregnant. 

What Causes PCOS?
​

     The exact cause of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is unknown, though it is thought that genetics play a major role. PCOS is a complex disorder that presents itself as a group of symptoms resulting from hormonal imbalances -- usually an excess of androgens like testosterone and high levels of insulin. These symptoms include:

  • Irregular menstrual cycles. Typically, women with PCOS will have long cycles (often longer than 35 days), missed periods, or have no period at all. Some women may have shorter cycles. 
  • Ovarian cysts.
  • Hirsutism, which is abnormal hair growth on the chin, face, and other areas usually seen on men but not on women.
  • Male-pattern hair loss on the scalp.
  • Acne on the face, chest, and upper back. It may be cystic acne.
  • Darkening of skin on neck creases, under the arms, under the breasts, and in the groin.
  • Skin tags
  • Weight gain and difficulty losing weight.

Insulin Resistance and PCOS

Androgens – sometimes referred to as "male hormones" – are produced by both men and women. Women produce androgens in smaller amounts. Higher-than-normal levels of androgens are a common indicator of PCOS, and often attribute to the symptoms of hirsutism and acne. When women start producing androgens, like testosterone, in higher than normal amounts it can lead to metabolic interference, an inability to lose weight, and weight gain. Excess weight is highly correlated to insulin resistance. Between 65-70% of women with PCOS will experience insulin resistance [1].

What Is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin is a hormone that regulates the level of glucose in your blood. Upon eating, insulin is released to allow the cells to absorb sugar from food to either use it for energy or store it for later use. When a person is insulin resistant, their body ignores the signals, ultimately leading to further insulin release and a worsening of the vicious cycle. When sugar isn't utilized and stays high in the bloodstream, it ultimately gets stored as adipose tissue, also known as fat.

Insulin resistance can lead to:
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Higher risk of developing certain types of cancers, like uterine and bladder cancer
    ​
Fat and PCOS 

One thing to remember is that fat is not just storage tissue but in fact an "endocrine organ". Were good a storing fat, since fat ultimately is an efficient way to store energy. It actually regulates our appetite through a hormone called leptin. It regulates inflammation, as well as our sensitivity to insulin and blood sugar control. Believe it or not, healthy fat tissue actually provides us benefits, such as hormones like adiponectin and cytokines that reduce inflammation. However, dysfunctional fat cells, commonly seen in PCOS, are enlarged and sometimes necrotic. As a result, the dying fat cells produce inflammatory markers with affect our immune system and hormones.

What Tests are Essential in PCOS

The following lab markers should be tested in PCOS to help understand the root of the problem, your likelihood of fertility, and your course of treatment. All these markers can be ordered via your MD, endocrinologist, or naturopath. 
  • FSH (day 3 of the cycle, if cycling)
  • LH (day 3 of the cycle, if cycling) 
  • Estradiol (day 3 of the cycle, if cycling) 
  • Progesterone (day 21, or 7 days post-ovulation) 
  • Cortisol 
  • Free testosterone, total testosterone
  • Prolactin 
  • DHT – dihydrotestosterone 
  • SHBG – sex hormone binding globulin 
  • HbA1C, fasting glucose, fasting insulin
  • DHEAS
  • Ferritin
  • TSH, free T4, free T3
  • 25-hydroxy Vitamin D

Managing Insulin Resistance and PCOS

Weight loss is evidently a key component to PCOS management. This becomes a large source of frustration for many patients with PCOS since as previously mentioned, one of the primary symptoms of this disorder is an inability to lose weight. 

Fortunately, treating a major root to the problem – insulin resistance – can mitigate many of the other symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. While diet and exercise are critical, the first step to losing weight for PCOS and insulin resistance is to understand what foods raise insulin levels rather than glucose levels. Furthermore, inflammatory properties of foods also matter. A specialized diet is often required to get insulin levels back to normal, such as a ketogenic diet, a low glycemic index diet, or even a food insulin demand diet. No one diet works for everyone, which is why I will always make suggestions based on individual needs and situations. 

Supplements can also aid the progression of insulin sensitization by reducing inflammation and optimizing glucose absorption. N-Acetyl-Cysteine, which is a precursor to glutathione in the body and is a powerful antioxidant and protector of inflammatory stress from insulin, ultimately showing benefit in PCOS. Inositol is one of my favourite therapies, as is has the ability to improve insulin sensitivity, and is one of the main intracellular messengers for insulin use within the cell. Clinic studies show higher doses of vitamin D improves glucose metabolism in lipid profiles in individuals with PCOS vs standard dosing recommendations [2]. Minerals like magnesium, calcium, and zinc have also been shown to improve inflammation. Ahmadi et al. (2017) also recently determined that probiotics, which promote beneficial effects on immune function and inflammation, have been shown to have favorable effects on weight loss, insulin resistance, TG and cholesterol [3]. Vitex, also known as Chaste Tree, contains the constituent Agnugol, which affects opiate receptors in the brain as well as dopamine. Menstrual cycle regulation from Chaste Tree has been shown to be as effective as metformin in clinical trials with less reported side effects [4]. Lastly, stress management is critical. High levels of cortisol affect insulin control and thyroid function. A treatment plan that overlooks stress and anxiety is missing a large piece of the puzzle.

As you can see, PCOS is a complex, multifaceted syndrome. Managing PCOS symptoms and insulin resistance requires a multifaceted approach. If you suspect you have PCOS or are experiencing any of the symptoms of PCOS, please feel free to contact Toronto naturopath, Dr. Courtney Holmberg at 647-351-7282 to schedule a consultation today.

References:
  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3277302/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28679142
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28142296
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5296515/

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DR. COURTNEY HOLMBERG, ND

Platinum Health and Wellness
​​955 Queen St W, Unit 111
Toronto, ON
M6J 3X5

​647-351-7282
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​© 2018 Courtney Holmberg ND. All rights reserved. Dr. Courtney Holmberg, ND does not endorse or have professional affiliation with any discussed supplement or lab companies. All material provided is for general education and may not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended to assist in diagnosing to treating a medical condition. Legal & Medical Disclaimer, sitemap

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