All hormones in the body are produced and regulated by the endocrine system. Organs and glands in the endocrine system include the pituitary gland, thyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands and ovaries.
PCOS is caused by hormonal imbalance of the ovaries but, quite often, other endocrine organs are also affected. It is advisable to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels to ensure the pancreas is producing sufficient insulin.
PCOS symptoms are varied and quite obscure which is why it often goes undiagnosed.
Common symptoms include:
acne
increased facial and body hair
irregular periods
intolerance to heat/hot weather
insulin resistance
weight gain
On the latter point, if weight gain is a symptom for you (it isn’t for everyone) then reducing your carbohydrate intake at night will help.
Food
Include:
· Mostly low Glycaemic Index (GI) foods
· Plenty of fresh ‘low sugar’ fruit (e.g. apples oranges, mandarins)
· Non-starchy vegetables (e.g. carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach)
· Fish - at least 3 times a week
· Whole grains, seeds and nuts
· Watercress in your salads
· Flax seeds
Exclude:
· Alcohol
· Caffeine
· Processed foods (i.e. lots of additives, preservatives and colourings)
· High fat foods
· Sugary foods, including honey and syrup
· Food additive 320 (butylated hydroxyanisole)
Helpful Supplements
Zinc (15mg)
Chromium picolinate (400mcg)
Omega-3 (with at least 600mg of both EPA & DHA)
Inositol (1000mg)
Chelated magnesium (500mg)
Vitamin B6 ( 250mg)
Vitamin B12 (250mcg)
Beneficial Herbs
· Kava kava
· Siberian ginseng
· Bladderwrack
· St John’s Wort (but not if you are taking anti-depressants or oral contraceptives)
These natural remedies will work in harmony with your body without the harmful side effects of some medications and hormonal therapies used to treat this condition. Of course, every 'body' is different, so do seek advice if you want targeted, personal solutions.
