Most of the women I see who are having a hard time getting pregnant have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS.) In fact there seems to be an epidemic of this syndrome and we know many women with PCOS go on to develop Type II diabetes and other medical problems.

PCOS - is the most common endocrine disease that affects women of reproductive age (puberty to menopause). Nobody has scientifically proven the cause of PCOS but my own opinion is that it has a great deal to do with the high sugar, high carbohydrate diet that is so common now. Insulin resistance is always a major part of the syndrome. More about that in a moment. 

PCOS is a very confusing condition. It affects approximately 15% of women in the reproductive age group. There have been some new developments that are giving us a much better understanding of this illness.

PCOS is an unfortunate term because the word "ovarian" appears in the name of this syndrome. For years, many people automatically assumed that it is purely an ovarian disease. We now recognize that it is in fact, a systemic endocrine and metabolic disorder. Multiple factors are at work. It should really be called the Poly-Cystic Ovary/Excess Androgen Production /Adrenal Hyperplasia / Insulin Resistant/  Irregular Cycle/Difficult to Lose Weight/ Syndrome.

It is possible also to have polycystic ovaries without the syndrome. This still results in infertility but is much easier to treat with herbal medicines such as the tried and true Vitex or Peony. Licorice with its stimulating effect on the adrenal glands is sometimes needed, and occasionaly other herbs are incorporated. Every woman is different, and a herbalist will recognize this  and prescribe herbs on an individual basis

Women in their twenties, and thirties, who consult with me, usually complain of weight they can’t shift, hair in the wrong places, irregular menstruation and of course infertility.

By the time these women are in their early 40s, they can add high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high or very unstable blood glucose and a still expanding waist.

Then of course comes the diabetes, kidney disease, atherosclerosis and so on.

Sounds dire doesn’t it?  That’s because it is. PCOS is a serious metabolic disorder. It can only be effectively treated by some serious life-style changes, some effective and targeted herbs and other supplements to nudge the body naturally back into correct hormonal balance.

A major breakthrough in our understanding of this syndrome has come about with the recognition that many women with PCOS, particularly if they are overweight, are insulin resistant with elevated serum insulin levels. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the insulin resistance is an important part of PCOS. Women who have PCOS but are not overweight also frequently have insulin resistance, but not as frequently as PCOS affected women who are overweight.  Insulin resistance responds to lifestyle changes and some simple herbs, occasionally chromium is needed as a supplement.

The term "insulin resistance" means that your body is more resistant to the action of insulin than normal. Insulin is the hormone that keeps your blood sugar within "normal" limits. If you are insulin resistant, your pancreas has to make more insulin to keep your sugar normal. As long as your pancreas can meet the excess demand placed upon it, you are OK. If your pancreas cannot keep up with the increased demand, your blood sugar will rise and you will become diabetic.

And you thought it was just about your ovaries! A woman with PCOS apart from being likely infertile, is an un-well woman.  Perhaps that explains the high miscarriage rate when their bodies are medically assisted into pregnancy before they are ready. When this condition is treated with herbal medicine we just don’t see all these heartbreaking miscarriages. Herbs heal.  Drugs treat symptoms. There are some amazing pharmaceutical drugs that change people’s lives – but they are not the way to go with a whole body illness such as PCOS.

The sad thing is. for every woman who will work with me to restore their body back to normal health; there is another who finds it all too much bother, the two visit tootsies.  I expect a year or two later they sit in front of another naturopath detailing a longer list of woes and expecting a magic wand or a magic pill. PCOS can be turned round. Women with this disorder can and do, go on to have healthy babies, but it does require some commitment to change.

Looking through my files I note that I have written more patient information sheets on PCOS than any other illness. It used to be endometriosis, but the pendulum has swung to PCOS. If you have been diagnosed with this nasty metabolic disorder you are not alone, and if possible, you should consider seeing a herbalist for treatment before you find you are failing to conceive.

10 Feb 2011

Diana Thurbon Profile | Email | Website Diana Thurbon - Keysborough Clinic - Victoria Cost Effective and Confidential Consultations. Naturopath, Nutrition, Stress management, Lifestyle Advice Specialising in Female Health: Pre-Conception - Fertility - Chronic Conditions I can help you balance hormones, lose weight, have a healthy family, enjoy vibrant health; and get the most out of your life. Keysborough Keysborough VIC Australia 3000 03 9798 6862 - 0400 979 868