How to identify the first tell-tale traits of polycystic ovary syndrome
How much do you know about PCOS, or poly-cystic ovarian syndrome? Would you know how to spot the symptoms? Do you know that 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, are affected by it?
Yep, as common as PCOS is, there’s still so much to learn. And what’s worse, is it often takes years or even decades to receive a diagnosis for the hormonal disorder, delaying treatment and much-needed relief. The endocrine disorder, in which levels of reproductive hormones such as estrogen and testosterone are imbalanced, can trigger a wide range of life-changing symptoms, including (but not limited to!) irregular periods, migraines, facial hair growth, weight gain, insulin resistance, painful periods, ovarian cysts, and fertility problems.
Whilst PCOS can certainly involve poly-cystic ovaries it is more correctly defined as a multifactorial syndrome that affects the endocrine system and metabolism. PCOS is typically characterised by high levels of androgen hormones (like testosterone, DHEA-S, or androstenedione), ovarian dysfunction and metabolic issues such as insulin resistance. To find out more, here is a break down of this ambiguous condition, including symptoms, diagnosis and culprits (within your control!) that could be unknowingly flaring up your symptoms.
Spotting the signs
The most common symptoms of PCOS include irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty losing weight, oily skin and acne which often presents across the jawline, chest or back and hirsutism (facial or body hair growth). The World Health Organization also explains that PCOS symptoms can also include night sweats, hair fall and even unusual bouts of anxiety and depression. Some of these symptoms come alone, some altogether, some women have some but not the others, making the identification of PCOS difficult. If you’re a woman with a prolonged experience of any of the above symptoms, it’s best to chat to your medical provider.
Getting diagnosed
To seek out a PCOS diagnosis it is best to speak to a doctor, who’s able to refer you for any further testing and check for any other conditions which may share symptoms of PCOS. Although there is no one specific test for PCOS, the criteria is used for diagnosis, stating women must meet 2 out of 3 of the below criteria to qualify for a diagnosis:
Oligo-anovulation (irregular ovulation patterns or lack of ovulation)
Hyperandrogenism (high levels of androgen hormones like testosterone, DHEA-S, or androstenedione) either measured on a blood test or observed in symptoms
Poly-cystic ovaries (many cysts on the ovaries) on ultrasound.
Approaching PCOS symptoms naturally
PCOS is thought to have a genetic component. This is amazing news for people with PCOS because it means that by altering environmental factors such as nutrition, lifestyle changes and natural supplementation they can experience remarkable improvements in their condition.
The key to addressing your PCOS diagnosis is understanding the driving factors behind your PCOS symptoms. Revealing that one of the most common driving factors is insulin resistance.
Across the board in all PCOS cases the strategy that has the biggest ROI on symptom improvements is balancing blood sugars, which can be achieved through eating a balance of veggies, protein and healthy fats. It is recommended that aiming for 50% of your plate being non-starchy veggies, a palm to hand sized piece of protein and 2 tablespoons of healthy fats.
Sugar’s role in PCOS
We all know sugar spikes insulin. When insulin is high it can cause high levels of androgen (testosterone) production in the ovaries, and it can reduce something called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). The role of SHBG is to discard extra testosterone and oestrogen.
When insulin is high in those suffering with PCOS, your ovaries produce more testosterone and because you have less SHBG you are not able to bind up the extra testosterone. Excessive sugar consumption for those with PCOS can become a vicious cycle leading to troubling symptoms like hormonal weight gain that’s hard to shift. Increased Insulin instigates further sugar cravings, leading further over consumption, and the cycle continues.
Opting for sugar alternatives
Luckily, for those of us who have a sweet tooth, there are healthier alternatives.
Try opting for natural sweeteners for your day-today use. These natural sweeteners don’t have the same impacts on blood sugars as regular sugar or liquid sweeteners like honey and maple syrup.
Starting small with PCOS
It can be incredibly overwhelming when you are diagnosed with PCOS but know that it is a condition that responds incredibly well to the right nutrition and lifestyle changes. Rather than overhauling everything and getting stuck in the ‘off and on the bandwagon’ cycle. Slow and steady wins the race with PCOS.
Adapted from: WH
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