Managing PCOS the natural way!

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a condition of that affects a woman's ovaries.  In PCOS, the ovaries are normally bigger than the average.  The surface of the ovary has an abnormal amount of small follicles (sacs of fluid that grows around the egg and allows it to release) which tend to be small (generally less than 10 mm) and immature and rarely grow to maturity (and ovulate).  These can be seen on an ultrasound scan. A woman with PCOS may struggle to fall pregnant as it means she rarely ovulates and consequently is less fertile.  She may also have irregular periods and have excess weight and body hair.  Acne and hair loss may occur.

PCOS affects up to 10 per cent of women between the ages of 15 and 50.  Around 25 per cent of women have polycystic ovaries without PCOS - in other words there are multiple cysts on the ovary but no symptoms or health problems.  These do not normally interfere with fertility.

Cysts can cause hormonal imbalances such as too high levels of LH (luteinizing hormone: the hormone that triggers ovulation) and blood sugar imbalances or insulin resistance.  Accumatively, these conditions can make ovulation difficult.

If you smoke, are overweight, have diabetes or a close female relative with PCOS, you are more likely to get PCOS.  Hormonal imbalance, poor diet and stress will exacerbate the condition.  High levels of oestrogen are found in women with PCOS.  When you are overweight you tend to have higher levels of circulating oestrogen (produced by fat cells) which is why weight management is important.  Also optimum liver health is crucial to help your body dispose of excess hormones and toxins.  B vitamins are extremely important for liver health so ensure you are getting good levels via green leafy vegetables, brown rice, quinoa, lentils, eggs and turkey.  Promote a well functioning liver by drinking 8 glasses of filtered water daily and cut down (preferably avoid) alcohol (as it places additional strain on the liver).

A diet high in saturated fat is known to stimulate oestrogen production so cut down on saturated fat especially in animal fats (like red meat).  Saturated fats also produce pro-inflammatory hormones which can worsen period pain and cramps related to endometriosis.

Make sure you do moderate exercise - aim for 20 minutes of activity 3 times per week, gradually building up to 30 minutes, 5 times per week.  Walking, swimming, cycling and Zumba! is fun.


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Vikki Le-Gallienne Dip ION mBANT CNHC Registered