PCOS: Affecting 1 in 10 Women of Childbearing Age

What is PCOS?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a hormonal disorder. The name would imply that the female has multiple cysts on her ovaries. However this is not true in all cases. If fact, it is not true in most cases of PCOS. There are many signs that may be indicative of this disorder and every PCOS situation can be very different.

Potential Signs of PCOS
– infertility (primary or secondary) – menstrual irregularity
– missed periods – thick dark hair (face, chest, abdomen)
– thinning hair or hair loss – blood sugar imbalances
– pelvic pain – multiple miscarriages
– fatigue – acne
– mood swings – weight gain or difficultly losing weight
– depressed – anxiety
– sleep issues

What Causes PCOS?
The cause of PCOS is unknown. However, women seem to be more likely to have this disorder if a family member has had it (mother, sister, aunt, etc.)

Potential Areas of the Body to Focus On
The following areas of the body can contribute to PCOS if they are under stress. These are areas of the body that should be checked out if you suffer from, or think you may be suffering from PCOS.
– Liver- potential accumulated fat
– Adrenal Glands- when an abundance of cortisol is produced due to stress, this negatively impacts other hormones
– Stomach- helps the body to remove hormones, if the stomach is not balanced there will be an imbalance in hormones
– Blood Sugar- insulin & luteinizing hormone (a reproductive hormone) help regulate testosterone

What Can You Do For PCOS?
1. Begin working with a trusted Practitioner.
2. Begin charting your cycles if you don’t already do so.
3. Have your Practitioner run hormone tests base on your cycle, not randomly.
4. Have a full pelvic ultrasound completed.
5. Exercise- strength, interval workouts, & stretching (avoid excessive cardio)
6. Relax and destress as much as you can.
7. Take probiotics or consume probiotic-rich foods.
8. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
9. Supplements to Consider…
– N-Acetyl Cysteine
– Vitex (Chasteberry)
– Ashwagandha
– Myo-Inositol
– Holy Basil
– Vitamin D3
– B-Complex
– Omega 3 Fatty Acids
– Chromium (talk to your Practitioner before starting)

Do you experience signs of PCOS? If so, contact Balanced Health and ask about our Hair & Saliva Testing. Contact us at 612-812-9121 or email us at info@creatingbalancedhealth.com.