PCOS - Options in Complimentary Care
Diagnosis
PCOS is a complex condition and investigations led by your doctor or obstetrician can confirm the diagnosis. This involves questions around the presence or absence of your menstrual cycle, physical signs of hormone dysregulation such as acne or hirsutism (excessive facial/body hair) and signs of metabolic resistance such as weight gain. A series of blood tests can be done looking for levels of both female hormones and androgens (male hormones i.e., testosterone), adrenal hormones (may be elevated with long-term stress) and glucose markers (looking at how the body is regulating blood sugars and insulin as insulin can then enhance androgen production and drive/worsen PCOS symptoms).
A series of pelvic imaging such as transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds will investigate the health of the ovaries, looking for the presence of follicles (cysts) and any indication of active ovulation. Hormone dysregulation in PCOS (i.e., elevation in androgens) can stop follicles on the ovaries from developing into eggs; instead, these stunted follicles accumulate on the ovary as ‘cysts’ indicating PCOS.
Management
Women with PCOS can access treatment via their doctor or specialist to manage their unique PCOS presentation. Medications may be recommended to help regulate hormones, control acne, reduce hair growth, promote ovulation and conception; restore/regulate menstruation, and/or improve blood sugar parameters. GPs can write mental health plans for subsidised counselling, as the PCOS diagnosis and symptoms can be psychologically (as well as physically) challenging. Recommendations for treatment often include weight reduction and exercise.
Complimentary Care Options
Herbal, nutritional and lifestyle recommendations can aid in the management of PCOS, particularly towards reducing stress, regulating hormones, and restoring a regular menstruation.
Treatment should always align with goals established by the client and the practitioner (often including the GP/obstetrician) and to occur within an agreed treatment timeline. Tailored planning around fertility and pregnancy, co-management on medication/IVF and birth control status should be considered.
So, what can be done in this space?
Stress reduction techniques such as breath work, reduction of stimulants or alcohol, and strategies facilitating deep restorative sleep.
Modifying dietary composition may assist with blood sugar levels and include adequate protein and choices around low GI carbohydrates. This is in aid of addressing metabolic syndrome/insulin resistance and promoting weight loss with a view to see a reduction in androgens and general improvement in PCOS symptoms.
Zinc supplementation can assist with hormone regulation and to heal and repair the skin where there is acne involvement.
B Complex vitamins are key for energy levels, liver detoxification but most importantly in PCOS they support carbohydrate metabolism.
Inositol may promote ovulation and may regulate androgens via improving insulin receptor activity having a regulating effect on insulin.
Other key nutrients to support glycaemic control, cell signalling, and liver health include chromium, magnesium, alpha lipoic acid, n-acetyl cysteine.
Herbal medicine objectives include:
Support adrenal gland function via reducing cortisol and helping the body adapt to stress.
Hormone regulation such as reducing androgen levels and correcting menstrual occurrence/regularity.
Promote glycaemic control and assistance to regulate appetite and satiety.
Supporting the liver and organs of elimination towards hormone clearance and improved health and wellbeing.
To discuss your concerns around PCOS and learn about how you can be supported using complimentary medicine, schedule a visit with our Naturopath. Click here to learn more about our Naturopath, Nadia Shaw. Click here to book an appointment to see Nadia.
Learn More
For a comprehensive in-depth look at PCOS including the symptoms, causes, types, treatments, resources, and support - please see our blog by Temika Smith - “What is PCOS?”
PCOS – Fertility & Pregnancy
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/pcos/fertility-management-treatment
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/pcos
https://theconversation.com/i-have-pcos-and-i-want-to-have-a-baby-what-do-i-need-to-know-109800
Managing Lean PCOS
https://www.rmact.com/fertility-blog/leanpcos
https://flo.health/pcos/lean-pcos
PCOS Management
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/pcos/management-treatment
PCOS and Menopause
https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/pcos-and-menopause#symptoms
https://www.healthline.com/health/ovarian-cancer/ovarian-cyst-after-menopause#symptoms
PCOS and Mental Health
https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/pcos-and-depression https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/pcos/emotions