PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is a complex metabolic, hormone and reproductive disorder. It is driven by hyperandrogenism, a condition of high levels of the androgen hormones linked with acne, male pattern hair loss and excess body hair, as well as absent or infrequent menstruation. PCOS is also driven by insulin resistance, a condition where the body does not respond to the messages given by the hormone insulin, which can lead to type II diabetes.
PCO and PCOS are sometimes used interchangeably, but are different things. PCO or polycystic ovary refers to the appearance of the ovary. HOWEVER, you can have Polycystic Ovarian syndrome with normal looking ovaries!
Just because you have cysts on your ovaries does not mean you have PCOS.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. It affects about 8-13% of women – about one in 10 – from when their periods begin to when they reach menopause.
Until recently the diagnosis and definition of PCOS was not universally established. A team from Monash University developed the “International evidence-based guideline on the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome 2018” to enable women and health professionals to be better informed, receive care in a more timely manner and improve outcomes for women with PCOS.
PCOS remains undiagnosed in approx. 70% of women with the condition
For a lot of women, getting a diagnosis can be a long and frustrating experience. There’s often a journey of multiple doctors, incorrect diagnoses, and the focus of individual issues resulting from PCOS instead of looking at the big health picture. Diagnostic criteria needs to be constantly revised by practitioners so they have an understanding of evolving medicine practice.
There are a lot of variables in PCOS to consider when making a diagnosis.
- Women with PCOS are at risk of being overweight or obese
- Aim to be within your healthy weight range
- Monitor your weight regularly and avoid weight gain
- High BMI is linked with poorer insulin signalling and glycaemic control
- Aim for a loss of 5-10% of your body weight over a six-month period
Naturopathy aims to find the underlying causes and imbalances to help the body balance back to functional.
When you see a Newcastle naturopath at CK Health, our main goal is to help you meet your goal. Identifying the areas within each individuals life that they are prioritizing and then formulating a treatment plan based on the individual is vital to successfully treat PCOS. Care looks at both short term and long term health goals.
For example:
- Hormone regulation- balance out androgens
- Weight management
- Insulin and glucose balance
- Support liver and bowel function
- Pain management
- Reduce inflammation
- Support immune function
- Support mental health
- Manage IBS
- Reduce progression
- Optimise fertility
- Support ovulation
- Reduce risk of miscarriage
Remember a nutritionist and naturopath prescribes according to the individual person!
If you want to find out how we can help YOU, CLICK HERE to book now for a free 20 minute assessment.
