top of page
Writer's pictureAlison Cowell

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

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.

There are natural solutions for all these symptoms


Recent Posts

See All

Comentarios


bottom of page