Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: 3 Tips to Significantly Improve Your Symptoms

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine condition that affects a significant number of women worldwide. The problem lies in the fact that there are conventional treatments and integrative treatments for PCOS, and the significant difference between these two methods can often confuse patients, leaving them unsure about what to do.

The conventional treatment typically involves oral contraceptives, which, in reality, do not resolve the underlying issue. They act like a band-aid, but they do not cure the root cause. Particularly for women who have insulin resistance, the contraceptive simply shuts down the ovaries without addressing the issue of insulin resistance, meaning that weight gain, inflammation, and side effects of birth control can continue. Therefore, it's not a solution; it's a temporary fix.

In this post, I will explain more about what PCOS is, how it affects your body, and with this understanding, give you 3 powerful tips that can significantly improve your symptoms.

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS is an endocrine condition that affects the female hormonal system, and as the name suggests, it involves the ovaries, but it is not limited to them. PCOS is a multifactorial and systemic condition, meaning it involves multiple factors and is not just a problem that occurs in the ovaries. One of the most significant issues women with PCOS face is dysfunction in the hormonal axis that regulates insulin production and metabolic health. Therefore, the issue is not just in the ovaries, but in a broader hormonal imbalance.

Women with PCOS often experience circadian rhythm dysregulation, which impacts their menstrual cycle and can also influence hormone production. The circadian rhythm is the body's 24-hour biological clock that regulates functions like sleep, eating, and hormone production, aligning them with the environment. When this rhythm is disrupted, hormones become imbalanced, further disrupting a woman's health.

Common Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS manifests in different ways in each woman, but some of the most common symptoms include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles: Your cycle may be longer than usual or even absent, which is a clear indication that ovulation is not occurring.

• Infertility: Due to lack of ovulation.

• Insulin resistance: Up to 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which can lead to weight gain and increased risk of diabetes. However, this number may actually exceed 90%, as women with this condition may already have overweight or obesity, which leads to insulin resistance.

• Acne, hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face), and alopecia (hair loss).

• Obesity, especially with the accumulation of fat in the abdominal region.

• Dyslipidemia: Increased triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels, with decreased HDL.

• Low progesterone: Deficiency in progesterone can cause menstrual irregularities and symptoms related to PMS.

• Irregular Estradiol Cycle: In PCOS, women do not experience the typical ups and downs of estradiol according to the menstrual cycle, as hormonal imbalances may cause estradiol to behave unpredictably, destabilizing mood entirely.

In addition to these symptoms, transvaginal ultrasound can reveal polycystic ovaries, which are small cysts formed due to lack of ovulation. It's important to note that not all polycystic ovaries are indicative of PCOS, and a diagnosis cannot be made solely based on ultrasound; a full clinical and laboratory evaluation is required.

When insulin resistance is not the primary cause, PCOS may result from hormonal imbalances, hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis dysfunction, or even chronic low-grade inflammation, often triggered by xenoestrogens (chemicals that mimic estrogen). Severe dysbiosis (gut imbalance) can also trigger PCOS issues.

It's also important to note that PCOS has a genetic component. As I always say, epigenetics can completely change the game. This means that while you may be genetically predisposed to developing a condition, your environment and lifestyle will ultimately determine if it manifests. This is what is magical!

How PCOS Causes Polycystic Ovaries

The primary factor contributing to the development of polycystic ovaries is hormonal imbalance, particularly between LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone).

• High LH and Low FSH: Women with PCOS have a dysregulated relationship between LH and FSH, with elevated LH levels and low FSH levels. This interferes with the process of ovulation since FSH is responsible for stimulating ovarian follicles to mature and ovulate. With low FSH levels, follicles do not mature properly and accumulate, forming cysts in the ovaries.

• Excess Androgens: Many women with PCOS have elevated levels of androgens (male hormones such as testosterone), which can cause symptoms such as acne, hirsutism, and even male-pattern baldness. These androgens also interfere with the development of ovarian follicles and hinder ovulation.

Mechanism of Insulin Resistance in PCOS

A critical feature of PCOS is insulin resistance, which occurs when the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin. This is one of the main factors that exacerbate the symptoms of PCOS.

• Insulin Receptor Dysfunction: In women with PCOS, insulin receptors on cells become less sensitive, leading the body to produce more insulin to achieve the same effects.

• Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation: This increase in insulin triggers chronic low-grade inflammation, with elevated inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, which further impairs insulin signaling.

• Lipotoxicity: Women with PCOS often have dyslipidemia, meaning elevated triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels, which can impair insulin action.

Oxidative Stress: An increase in free radicals in the body can damage insulin-responsive cells, making it difficult for glucose to enter the cells.

3 Tips to Improve PCOS Symptoms

Now that you understand better what PCOS is and how it affects your body, here are 3 powerful tips to improve your symptoms:

Tip 1: Control Insulin Levels

The key to improving PCOS is to control insulin resistance. Here are some ways to do it:

• Supplements: Berberine, metformin, chromium picolinate, alpha-lipoic acid, and inositol have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity.

• Intermittent Fasting: This practice can help reduce insulin levels and promote weight loss. However, I assess a person’s entire lifestyle before recommending fasting.

• Fasting Exercise and Cardio: Fasting exercise improves insulin sensitivity.

• Low-Glycemic Diet: Reducing refined carbohydrates and choosing low-glycemic-index carbs can improve insulin resistance.

• Reduce Processed Foods, Stop Drinking Alcohol, and improve gut health.

  
  

Tip 2: Regulate Circadian Rhythm and Reduce Stress

Regulating your body’s internal clock and managing stress are also crucial for women with PCOS. Here are some tips:

• Morning Sunlight: This helps regulate serotonin and melatonin, which in turn regulate the hormonal cycle and improve sleep quality.

• Physical Activity: Regular exercise reduces stress and promotes hormonal health.

• Sleep Hygiene: Ensuring quality sleep is vital for hormonal regulation.

• Supplements: Magnesium, glycine, taurine, melatonin, and ashwagandha can help reduce stress and improve sleep.

  
  

Tip 3: Increase Progesterone and Control PMS

Increasing progesterone can alleviate many PCOS symptoms:

• Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry): This herb influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, promoting ovulation and increasing progesterone levels.

• Nutritional Support: Zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin D, magnesium, and essential fatty acids support hormonal health.

• Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can improve hormonal balance.

PCOS is a complex condition that can be caused by various factors, including insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle factors. Conventional treatments like oral contraceptives address symptoms, but integrative approaches aim to tackle the root causes. Managing insulin levels, regulating circadian rhythms, and supporting progesterone production are key strategies to treat or alleviate PCOS naturally and effectively.

If you're dealing with PCOS, seek alternatives that address the underlying causes and offer real solutions for your body.

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