Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine system disorder among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have enlarged ovaries that contain small collections of fluid — called follicles — located in each ovary as seen during an ultrasound exam.
See also : Ovarian Cancer

Symptoms

Infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity can all occur in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. In adolescents, infrequent or absent menstruation may raise suspicion for the condition. Polycystic ovary syndrome signs and symptoms often begin soon after a woman first begins having periods (menarche). In some cases, PCOS develops later during the reproductive years, for instance, in response to substantial weight gain. PCOS has many signs — things you or your doctor can see or measure — and symptoms — things that you notice or feel. All of these can worsen with obesity. Every woman with PCOS may be affected a little differently.To be diagnosed with the condition, your doctor looks for at least two of the following:

• Irregular periods. This is the most common characteristic. Examples include menstrual intervals longer than 35 days; fewer than eight menstrual cycles a year; failure to menstruate for four months or longer; and prolonged periods that may be scant or heavy.
• Excess androgen. Elevated levels of male hormones (androgens) may result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), adult acne or severe adolescent acne, and male-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia).
• Polycystic ovaries. Polycystic ovaries become enlarged and contain numerous small fluid-filled sacs which surround the eggs.

Causes

The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Doctors don't know what causes polycystic ovary syndrome, but these factors may play a role:

• Excess insulin. Insulin is the hormone produced in the pancreas that allows cells to use sugar (glucose) — your body's primary energy supply. If you have insulin resistance, your ability to use insulin effectively is impaired, and your pancreas has to secrete more insulin to make glucose available to cells. Excess insulin might also affect the ovaries by increasing androgen production, which may interfere with the ovaries' ability to ovulate.
• Low-grade inflammation. Your body's white blood cells produce substances to fight infection in a response called inflammation. Research has shown that women with PCOS have low-grade inflammation and that this type of low-grade inflammation stimulates polycystic ovaries to produce androgens.
• Heredity. If your mother or sister has PCOS, you might have a greater chance of having it, too. Researchers also are looking into the possibility that certain genes are linked to PCOS.

Home remedies

• Shatavari is used to treat or prevent conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Supplementation with vitamin D and Calcium may be a simple, inexpensive way to significantly reduce many symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• N-Acetyl Cysteine may help treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a 2007 study in the journal Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. For one menstrual cycle, 573 PCOS patients were treated with clomiphene citrate (a drug commonly used to induce ovulation). Next, 470 of these patients took a combination of N-acetylcysteine and clomiphene citrate for another menstrual cycle. Study results revealed that ovulation rates improved significantly after the addition of N-acetylcysteine.
• Omega-3 fatty acids appear to show natural benefits for women suffering from PCOS. You can obtain good plant-based sources of omega-3 fats from flaxseeds, walnuts, soybeans, tofu, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower.
• Flaxseed appear to rank the best when treating women with PCOS. A study published in the journal Current Topics, discovered that flaxseed supplementation reduced hirsutism and weight in women with PCOS. The lignans and essential short-chain omega-3 fats found in flaxseeds help reduced androgen levels significantly, which has been found quite impressive compared to other methods.
• Saw palmetto : One of the most unsightly or visible symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome is hirsutism, which is essentially the growth of hair in strange places on a woman’s body. This is caused by the high levels of testosterone and androgenic hormones that characterize the disorder. Saw palmetto is one of the most effective herbs at inhibiting testosterone from converting into a more active form that will stimulate hirsutism. Saw palmetto is also considered an anti-androgenic substance, so it can help to reduce a number of the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome and actually re-balance the endocrine system.
• Fenugreek has long been associated with the management of diabetes, which makes it ideal for treating polycystic ovary syndrome as well. By optimizing glucose metabolism in the body and ensuring that insulin receptors operate normally, it can protect someone suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome from developing Type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, by regulating glucose metabolism, it can help to prevent weight gain and overeating, as nutrients will be used in an effective and timely manner by the body.
• Flaxseed has two very important roles in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Firstly, flaxseed decreases androgen levels in the body, which is essential for women who want to avoid hirsutism. Secondly, flaxseed stimulates the production of sex hormone binding globulin, which binds with testosterone in the bloodstream, thereby preventing it from impacting other parts of the body and creating some of the secondary symptoms in women that can make life so difficult with this disorder.
• Salmon: The high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in salmon are the main reason why it made this home remedy list. Research has connected these essential fatty acids to a reduction in testosterone levels and a return to a normal menstruation cycle in women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome. Although this research is still ongoing, the fact remains that the omega-3s found in salmon and other oily fish are also great for heart health, as they eliminate much of the “bad cholesterol”. Considering that the insulin resistance of polycystic ovary syndrome also affects the heart, salmon and its omega-3s actually have two important roles in the treatment of this disorder.
• Spinach and other dark, leafy green vegetables are packed with unique nutrients, including vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium, all of which are directly linked to treating the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. Calcium has been shown to improve menstrual regularity, magnesium improves insulin sensitivity, and vitamin D optimizes BMI, helping to prevent weight gain.
• Broccoli : Although many people turn to insulin therapy to ensure that their blood sugar remains stable, one of the best natural ways to keep diabetic symptoms under control is with chromium. Broccoli has more chromium than any other food source, so pop that into your diet and ensure that your insulin and blood sugar levels are optimized to prevent the onset of diabetes as a side effect of polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Cinnamon may not seem like an obvious choice for a treatment, but in fact, cinnamon has been positively correlated with regular menstrual cycles and an increase in insulin sensitivity, making it a very valuable remedy that can be added to many different foods, or added to tea with honey for a delicious and beneficial beverage.
• [Licorice]] attacks polycystic ovary syndrome from a number of different directions. Research has shown that one of the active ingredients in licorice inhibits a key enzyme necessary for testosterone production. Furthermore, licorice root can help to stimulate menstruation and it detoxifies the liver, which is closely connected to hormonal imbalance.
• Spearmint Tea: Spearmint tea is directly linked to the treatment of hirsutism, as research studies have shown that spearmint’s active ingredients can reduce total testosterone levels, and inhibit follicle-stimulating hormone, thereby helping to keep hair where it belongs on a woman’s body!
• Apple cider vinegar seems to be helpful for pretty much everything, but in terms of polycystic ovary syndrome, it can help reduce the insulin resistance and get your blood sugar behavior back to normal. Apple Cider Vinegar is actually used to naturally treat diabetes all over the world, so it makes sense that it would be an effective remedy for those dangerous insulin symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Warnings

• Although most of the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome are merely irritating or embarrassing, rather than life-threatening, the increased chance of infertility and endometrial cancer is very serious. While many of these home remedies will effectively clear up primary and secondary symptoms, it is still highly recommended to see a medical professional if you believe that you’re suffering from a hormonal imbalance, as any endocrine disorder can be much more complicated than it initially appears.
• See your doctor if you have concerns about your menstrual periods, if you're experiencing infertility or if you have signs of androgen excess such as acne and male-pattern hair growth.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.