The Most Common Hormonal Disorder in Women: PCOS Awareness
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common women's health issue. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Although the cause of PCOS is unknown, it is thought to be related to an imbalance in the levels of certain hormones, including insulin and testosterone. The hormonal imbalance creates issues in the ovaries. The ovaries make the egg that is released each month as part of a healthy menstrual cycle. PCOS is a reproductive syndrome that keeps the egg from being released during ovulation.
About 5 to 10% of women between 15-44 years old, or during their reproductive stage, suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Most women find out that they have PCOS during their 20s and 30s. However, PCOS can occur at any age after puberty. Women of all races and ethnicities are at risk for this reproductive syndrome. As a woman, your risk of PCOS could be higher if you are obese or have a family medical history of this women's health issue.
Signs and Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
The main symptoms of PCOS include:
Enlarged ovaries that contain follicles up to 8mm in size
High amounts of androgens, which make facial and body hair grow in excess
Periods that are irregular or completely absent
If you experience at least two of the symptoms above, it could mean you have PCOS. However, keep in mind PCOS is a syndrome that means your body can migrate in and out of PCOS, and/or different types of PCOS may be present at once.
Other signs of PCOS to look out for are:
Trouble getting pregnant
Difficulty losing weight, especially around the waist
Hair thinning or hair loss
Acne
Irregular and/or heavy periods
Inconsistent or lack of ovulation
Male pattern balding
Unexplained weight loss
Darkened skin
Oily skin
Panic attacks
Sleep Apnea
Uncontrollable Cravings
The Different Types of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
There are four types of PCOS, each with varying symptoms, listed below:
Insulin Resistant PCOS: Tend to have higher than normal levels of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps control the sugar level in the blood. High insulin levels can lead to weight gain, which can cause several other health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Adrenal PCOS: Experience higher than normal levels of androgens (male hormones). Androgens are responsible for developing male sexual characteristics, such as facial hair and a deep voice. Those with high levels of androgens can disrupt the normal development of eggs in the ovaries, leading to fertility problems.
Post Pill PCOS: Occurs once one stops taking synthetic birth control due to the surge in androgens causing excessive hair growth, irregular periods, and acne.
Inflammatory PCOS: This is fueled by inflammation and environmental toxins leading to excess testosterone leading to IBS-like symptoms, chronic fatigue, chronic headaches, joint pain, and skin tags.
How Is PCOS Diagnosed?
There is no single test for PCOS. To diagnose PCOS, your doctor must run several tests and determine your symptoms before identifying a precise diagnosis. Your PCOS diagnosis may include blood and imaging tests, physical exams, and a pelvic ultrasound. This process usually takes time and can even be a source of frustration, but it's necessary to rule out other conditions. The bloodwork generally recommended will look at your testosterone and Free Androgen index, Insulin, Thyroid stimulating hormone, and prolactin to determine whether you truly have PCOS and better help develop a course of action.
The Effects of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome on Pregnancy
PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can cause problems during pregnancy for women and their babies.
Women with PCOS have higher rates of the following:
Miscarriage
Gestational Diabetes
Preeclampsia
Cesarean Section (C-Section) Births
Babies with mothers with PCOS may have a higher risk of being heavy or macrosomia
A Holistic Approach To Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Management
PCOS can be holistically managed with a combination of nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle changes; however, one must be consistent to see long-term results. No supplement can replace the crucial foundation that a well-rounded whole foods-based diet supports. However, research has shown that certain supplements can significantly address specific dynamics that drive unpleasant PCOS symptoms.
My top PCOS supplement recommendations and potential benefits:
MYO & D-CHIRO INOSITOLS: improves both metabolic and hormonal parameters.
NAC: reduces oxidative stress, improves egg quality & ovulation rates, may lower testosterone levels & support immune function.
Alpha Lipoic Acid: improves insulin resistance & metabolic parameters
MAGNESIUM: regulates blood sugar, lowers inflammation, supports mood & sleep.
BERBERINE: acts as an insulin sensitizer & can help improve lipid and testosterone levels.
VIT E: lowers inflammation & oxidative stress and may improve ovulation and pregnancy rates.
PROBIOTICS: improves metabolic markers, reduces inflammation
COD LIVER OIL: promotes insulin sensitivity, lowers testosterone & triglycerides, and improves mood.
LICORICE PEONY COMBO: may reduce testosterone levels and improve fertility.
ADAPTOGENS: can help support adrenal function, regulate cortisol, and support blood sugar + insulin.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Shouldn’t Rule Your Life
Receiving a diagnosis of PCOS may be scary at first, but it doesn't mean you can't live a full and healthy life. You can manage your symptoms, visit your healthcare provider regularly, and have a community that understands. Everyone's body is different. Hence, managing your PCOS will depend on factors like the extent of your symptoms, family planning, other health conditions, and long-term health goals.
Click here to grab a FREE resource about PCOS and which type you may have.
If you are ready to kick off your PCOS healing journey, book my FREE Hormone Rebalance Discovery Call by clicking here so you can see if I would be an excellent fit for you to manage your PCOS. Together, we can develop your individualized PCOS treatment protocol.
September is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month! As a person that suffers from PCOS, Lala understands how daunting a PCOS diagnosis can be to one’s life. Therefore, part of Lala's Bedtime Tales mission is to provide a safe space and judgment-free zone to educate yourself on sexual health & wellness. The Sexual Health & Wellness corner will have monthly articles dedicated to continuous education on living a positive and sexually healthy lifestyle. Subscribe to Lala's Bedtime Tales Newsletter and follow @LalasBedtimeTales on social media to never miss any sexual education to help you live the healthiest life possible. Also, check out Lala's Bedtime Tales Podcast and Lala's Oh So Exclusive Patreon account for even more content! If you’re browsing for sexy pleasure products or cute giftable items, then check out Lala’s Pleasure Shop.
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