PCOS & its Natural Treatment

What is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition in which a woman’s levels of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are out of balance. This leads to the growth of ovarian cysts (benign masses on the ovaries). PCOS can cause problems with a women’s menstrual cycle, fertility, cardiac function, and appearance.

What causes PCOS? 

While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, doctors believe that hormonal imbalances and genetics play a role. Women are more likely to develop PCOS if their mother or sister also has the condition.

Overproduction of the hormone androgen may be another contributing factor. Androgen is a male sex hormone that women’s bodies also produce. Women with PCOS often produce higher-than-normal levels of androgen. This can affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation. Excess insulin (a hormone that helps convert sugars and starches into energy) may cause high androgen levels.

Symptoms of PCOS

Symptoms of PCOS typically start soon after a woman begins to menstruate. The type and severity of symptoms varies from person to person. The most common characteristic of PCOS is irregular menstrual periods.

Because PCOS is marked by a decrease in female sex hormones, this condition may cause women to develop certain male characteristics, such as:

·         excess hair on the face, chest, stomach, thumbs, or toes

·         decrease in breast size

·         deeper voice

·         thin hair

·         Other symptoms include:

·         acne

·         weight gain

·         pelvic pain

·         anxiety or depression

·         infertility

While not symptoms of the disease, many women with PCOS have other concurrent health problems, such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. These are linked to the weight gain typical in PCOS patients.

What are the potential complications of PCOS?

Women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing:

hypertension (high blood pressure)

high cholesterol

anxiety and depression

sleep apnea (when a person stops breathing periodically during sleep)

endometrial cancer (cancer caused by thickening of the lining of the uterus)

heart attack

diabetes

breast cancer

PCOS Natural Treatment

Flaxseed can also be used to combat PCOS as it helps decrease androgen levels. It contains lignans that increase the production of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) that binds testosterone in the blood, thereby preventing it from wreaking havoc in the body.

Plus, being high in fiber, flaxseed helps slow down glucose metabolism and lower cholesterol levels. The omega-3 fatty acids in this superfood also reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease.

-Mix one or two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseeds in a glass of water. Drink it daily for a few months or until you are satisfied with the results.

-Also include ground flaxseeds in your diet regularly by adding it to your smoothies, soups and salads.

Reishi

(Ganoderma lucidum)Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi, Ling Zhi) – In a research study exploring the anti-androgenic effects of 20 species of mushrooms, reishi mushrooms had the strongest action in inhibiting testosterone. That study found that reishi mushrooms significantly reduced levels of 5-alpha reductase, preventing conversion of testosterone into the more potent DHT. High levels of DHT are a risk factor for conditions such as benign prostatatic hypertrophy (BPH), acne, and baldness. (Grant & Ramasamy 2012)

NONI : DRINK A SUPERFOOD TONIC IN THE MORNING:

I absolutely love noni juice as a daily tonic! Noni is a super powerful healing tonic used for thousands of years. Noni has been esteemed for its anti -inflammatory properties, boost of energy levels, aiding in cardiovascular health, immunity boost, anti fungal properties and promotes healthy liver function! I measure one shot of noni juice and pour into a large glass of water first thing in the morning. Drinking an antioxidant-rich drink first thing in the morning is a great start to the day!

CALCIUM : We all need a little bit of sunshine in our lives, not just because it makes us feel so much better and puts a spring in our step. Exposure to the sun helps our bodies make Vitamin D, a much-needed vitamin in any PCOS Diet.

Vitamin D is important for insulin resistance, breast health, mood and weight loss. And here’s the kicker: most women with PCOS are deficient in Vitamin D (83% to be exact).

So, what’s the deal with calcium? Well, Vitamin D is needed for Calcium to absorbed by the body so if your Vitamin D levels are low, chances are you’re also in need of a Calcium boost. Calcium is also important in follicle maturation and egg development.

ALOE VERA : 

Aloe Vera is one of those herbs that are responsible for a good health of a person. Be it in the form of juice or gel or even any other supplement, Aloe Vera works effectively when it comes to polycystic ovary syndrome as well. Having fresh Aloe Vera juice early in the morning on an empty stomach has great advantages.

Aloe Vera may be a potential herb in treating Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome by enhancing the reductions of plasma triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels, with an increase in HDL cholesterol or by restoring the ovarian steroid status. According to the study of PCOS was induced in Charles Foster female rats by oral administration of non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor letrozole (0.5 mg/kg body weight, 21 days), AVG treated PCOS rats exhibited significant reduction in plasma triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels, with an increase in HDL cholesterol. The gel treatment also caused reversion of abnormal estrous cyclicity, glucose intolerance, and lipid metabolizing enzyme activities, bringing them to normal. Other study also indicated that Aloe vera gel formulation exerts a protective effect in against the PCOS phenotype by restoring the ovarian steroid status, and altering key steroidogenic activity. This can be attributed to phyto-components present in the extract.

Spirulina is a Complete Protein Source

Spirulina and Blue Green Algae Spirulina  is a blue-green, one-celled form of algae that thrives in warm, alkaline fresh bodies of water such as lakes and ponds  It made up of 55-70% protein which makes it the highest food source of protein in the world.  It is a rich source of minerals and the antioxidant beta-carotene as well as the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Both spirulina and blue green algae are  rich sources of chlorophyll.  When we add it to our PCOS diet, our body uses the chlorophyll to cleanse our blood and it protects our DNA from aging. You can add these algaes to your diet with a green food powder.  I believe in this nutrient so much that I added it to my store (and my morning smoothies).  Check out PCOS Diva Power Greens. | Read More on PCOS Diva

This green super food is a complete protein source, as it contains all the amino acids necessary to qualify as a complete protein source. Protein content is 50-70% of its total dry weight. There is a variation in percentage of protein content dependent on time of harvest in relation to daylight. It contains the most protein when harvested in the early daylight (interesting!).

Whole Food Spirulina Contains a Wide Variety of Vitamins and Minerals
As we all know a whole food diet is essential to healthy fertility. Spirulina provides a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, all of which are easily utilized by the body. Spirulina is an easy way to boost your nutritional intake daily!

Vitamins: A, D, E, K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, B6, B12, Folate and Pantothenic Acid.

Minerals: Potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, selenium, iron, copper, and phosphorus. Because spirulina grows in fresh water, rather than salt water like seaweed, it contains a relatively low amount of sodium.

Antioxidant Content May Improve Egg & Sperm Health, Prevent Preeclampsia
Many of the vitamins and minerals in spirulina are antixoidants, which have been shown to protect the body from free radical damage. Oxidative damage due to free radicals have been shown to contribute to fertility issues such as luteal phase defect, poor egg and sperm health, as well as lowered overall immunity and health.

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