Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine (hormonal) and metabolic condition impacting 1 in every 10 women of reproductive age.
If you have been diagnosed by a medical professional, then chances are you have been told that your condition will make it hard for you to conceive naturally and that you have to be on 'the pill' or some other medication to control it. The truth is (and good news), for many if not most women, you can reverse your PCOS and conceive naturally (with ease) if you find and heal the underlying root cause of your PCOS.
Before we dive in, do you really have PCOS?
I see PCOS misdiagnosed and mistreated all too often. The name itself describes a polycystic ovarian condition however, PCOS cannot be diagnosed solely by an ultrasound.
To be diagnosed with PCOS, you much tick to out of the 3 below:
1. Irregular periods
<21 days or >35 days
2. Clinical or biochemical signs of excess androgens
Excess hair growth (chin, cheeks, around nipples & belly), acne, hair loss/ alopecia, elevated androgens on a blood test
3. Polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound Not required where irregular menstrual cycles and hyperandrogenism are present and not recommended for women aged under 20 or who are not yet sexually active
Ready to be confused?
You can have polycystic ovaries and not have PCOS.
You can have polycystic ovaries and have PCOS
Cysts on ovaries are common and 20% of women who do not have PCOS have cysts on their ovaries. 40% of women who do have PCOS do not have cysts on their ovaries.
PCOS can be reversed by understanding and addressing what is driving the condition. In order to do this, you need to know what type of PCOS you may have.
The 5 Underlying drivers of PCOS
Insulin Resistant PCOS
This is the most common type of PCOS impacting around 70-80% of those with PCOS. High levels of insulin triggers the ovaries to produce more androgens, driving acne, excess hair growth and irregular menstrual cycles. This type of PCOS can commonly cause women to struggle with weight, especially holding weight around the abdomen/stomach. It can also cause sugar cravings as well as fatigue and brain fog.
Inflammatory PCOS
Inflammatory PCOS occurs when chronic inflammation triggers the ovaries to produce more androgens (testosterone). Inflammatory PCOS commonly overlaps with many of the other types of PCOS so it’s important to address inflammation in all cases of PCOS. Common symptoms associated with chronic inflammation can include: headaches, joint pain, IBS like symptoms, painful periods, eczema/skin issues, unexplained fatigue and raised inflammatory markers on a blood test.
Post-pill PCOS
If your symptoms have developed after coming off the hormonal contraceptive pill, you likely have post-pill PCOS. After coming off hormonal contraception, it is common to have a huge surge in androgens, causing the typical PCOS symptoms (acne, irregular cycles/missing cycles). The pill can also worsen insulin resistance and cause multiple nutrient deficiencies, further impacting PCOS. Symptoms tend to be temporary. With the right support, they don’t last long.
Adrenal PCOS
This type of PCOS is characterized by elevated DHEAS (another type of androgen) from the adrenals but normal levels of other androgens such as testosterone. Adrenal PCOS is uncommon (affects around 10% of those diagnosed) and is usually caused by an abnormal response to stress causing upregulated androgens by the adrenals.
Thyroid Dysfunction
Although not considered a PCOS 'type', clinically, there is evidence of a connection between hypothyroidism and PCOS. When the thyroid is under-functioning, androgens can become elevated by decreasing SHBG and increasing insulin resistance.
Common symptoms of a thyroid issue include:
Fatigue
Brain fog, poor memory
Weight gain
Constipation
Cold intolerance
Low mood/depression
Hair loss
Fertility issues
Low libido
Dry skin, brittle nails
Download my free eBook ‘Insights for a healthier thyroid’ to learn more and understand the signs and symptoms of a thyroid disorder that could potentially be causing your PCOS.
If you are looking for guidance to naturally manage and potentially reverse your PCOS, improve fertility outcomes and live symptom free, reach out for a 1:1 Naturopathic consultation with Allison.
To learn more about PCOS, grab my free eBook 'A Naturopathic guide to reversing PCOS'
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