6 Natural Treatments For Pcos
You just found out you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Now what? The condition, which affects five million women in the U.S. alone, can wreak havoc on your hormones and still doesn’t have a known cure. While many women successfully manage their symptoms solely with medication and hormone therapy, some prefer to supplement traditional treatments with more holistic remedies, while some opt for entirely natural alternatives. “I always look at diet and lifestyle — how I can help patients modify their focus and remove obstacles that may be in their way on the path towards wellness,” says April Blake, ND. “As a naturopathic doctor, I prefer to utilize therapies that are gentle and less invasive, and focus on mind-body medicine and lifestyle. If you’re looking for alternatives to traditional treatments, there are several evidence-based therapeutics that have been shown to be effective.” “In addition to supplements, I recommend getting to the root cause of the condition,” says FLOLiving.com founder and One Medical patient Alisa Vitti. After suffering with PCOS symptoms for years, the best-selling author of “WomanCode” developed an online program that targets hormonal imbalances through nutrition. “I help women eat in a way that supports the endocrine system as a whole,” Vitti says. “Supplements are an important way to expedite healing, but nutrition and the mind-body connection are the basis of my practice.” Here are some natural methods to help manage your PCOS symptoms: Before trying any treatment option, it’s important to discuss your diagnosis with your health care provider and collaborate on a plan that works for you. 1. Be strategic with calories. One study indicates that caloric intake timing can have a big impact on glucose, insuli Continue reading >>
The Top 10 Supplements You Can Use To Reverse Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Nut Butter The Bad, The Good, and How to Make it Better Many studies suggest that cinnamon helps reduce insulin resistance and restore ovarian function in women with PCOS. To get these benefits, to 1 teaspoon per day is all you need. Cinnamon Ceylon Vs Cassia, Health Benefits, and Other Interesting Facts For women who want to get pregnant, vitamin b9 is essential. To improve fertility, researchers suggest that women who are at a healthy weight should take 400 micrograms of folic acid (one of the many forms of vitamin b9), and obese or overweight women should take 5 mg of folic acid. However, it is best to supplement with a b-complex that contains all of the b vitamins. You may also feel better by supplementing with b complex that has a more natural form of Vitamin B9 (folic acid isnt and 12234erdx543ewef65may cause problems for some). L-methylfolate and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) are the most effective form of the vitamin. Apple cider vinegar has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity in several studies, including a trial in women with PCOS. In this trial, seven women with PCOS took one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar per day. After 40 days, four of the women resumed ovulating, and six experienced a measurable reduction in insulin resistance. For best results, consume 1-2 tablespoons per day. However, this doesnt mean you have to take shots of pure vinegar. Use apple cider vinegar as the vinegar for your salad dressings instead. Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar & How to Make Your Own Magnesium deficiencies are the second most common deficiency in developed countries. Magnesium is important for women with PCOS because it improves insulin sensitivity and decreases nerve excitability, leading to less stress, tension, and PCOS symptoms. When it comes to Continue reading >>
Pcos: Supplements And Associated Infertility
The Latest, Science-Based Information In Health, Fitness & Fat Loss PCOS: Supplements and Associated Infertility by Keoni Teta on March 14, 2017 in ME Females The typical menstrual cycle of someone with PCOS tends to be irregular. The reason for this is because the hypothalamus in the brain is releasing Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) at a higher frequency than is normal. This frequency increase of GnRH causes the pituitary gland to release Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) in a way that is not optimal for achieving fertilization and pregnancy. LH and FSH are increased and decreased, respectively, relative to normal secretion in someone without PCOS. Also, the abnormal secretion of LH and FSH will, in turn, lead to excessive production of androgens (e.g. androstenedione and testosterone). It also increases levels of estrone, a type of estrogen that is normally elevated only in post-menopausal women. This causes relatively lower levels of progesterone. Overall, this process makes it less likely that mature eggs will be developed and released from the follicles. The follicles grow in the ovaries, but do not mature, instead becoming fluid filled cysts hence the name,Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS. This aberration in hormones makes it extremely unlikely that pregnancy can occur, thus leading to infertility. In fact, the abnormal hormonal environment not only leads to PCOS and infertility, but can also cause uterine hypertrophy or endometrial hyperplasia leading to excessive and painful menstruation. Furthermore, higher levels of androgens create some of the stereotypical symptoms of PCOS (e.g. facial hair, acne, oily skin, and hair thinning on the head). Although the exact mechanism of how PCOS causes insulin resistance has not bee Continue reading >>
Reverse Insulin Resistance In 4 Easy Steps
Reverse Insulin Resistance in 4 Easy Steps When it comes to metabolism and weight loss, it’s mostly about insulin. Insulin is also a major factor in many women’s health conditions such as PCOS , acne , progesterone deficiency , and heavy periods . Healthy insulin sensitivity is how you keep inflammation down. It’s how you reduce your long-term risk of diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis , dementia, and heart disease. Do you have insulin resistance? It’s time to find out. Under normal conditions, your hormone insulin rises briefly after eating. It stimulates your liver and muscles to take up sugar from your blood and convert it to energy. This causes your blood sugar to fall, and then your insulin to fall. When you are insulin sensitive, both your sugar and insulin are low on a fasting blood test. When you have insulin resistance, your blood sugar may be normal but your insulin will be high. Why? Because your liver and muscles are not responding properly to insulin, so your pancreas makes more. Too much insulin then generates inflammation and pushes calories into fat storage. Too much insulin also impairs ovulation and stimulates your ovaries to make testosterone, which is a major cause of PCOS . Insulin resistance is common and affects at least one in four adults. It is also called pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Blood test: The way to diagnose insulin resistance is to test insulin–not blood sugar. Ask your doctor to order “fasting insulin” or a “glucose tolerance test with insulin.” Look at your insulin reading (not just your blood sugar reading). Your fasting insulin should be less than 55 pmol/L (8 mIU/L ). One hour after the sugar challenge, your insulin should be less than 270 pmol/L (45 mIU/L). You can also use a blood test called Continue reading >>
Useful Supplements For Pcos
Just curious to know what are some vitamins or supplements that have been shown to be helpful for PCOS. I'm currently using Metformin and Spironolactone. I don't plan on taking these forever, though. I peeked at the Insulite website but it's perhaps a bit too pricey for me now. Any thoughts? My dietitian has told me that Chromium in the chelated form may be helpful if you have IR. I have just started taking it - I'll update after I've given it a good chance. But for now - strangely - my appetite seems to be much less. I'm not feeling like I need something, and I don't get shaky as often. That could be related to other things, though, because I've made changes in diet and supplements lately. I know Insulite seems pricey but if you go to a nutritionist those supplements will run you close to or above $100/month as well. My mom is seeing a nutritionist and her supplements are $120/month, when the Insulite has the same stuff in it, and is only $99 when you sign up for a year. I hate how insurance companies will pay for pharma drugs and not organic supplements. The supplements should slowly cure, and the drugs will only mask the condition for eternity. Which is more profitable? But all supplements/drugs aside, exercise daily is KEY, and not overeating is KEY. I'm actually feeling much better allowing myself to never be full, and always a little hungry. Too much food wrecks havoc on insulin. Small portions and exercise keep insulin in check. This is good info !!!! I have not seen a nutritionist for this condition... Keep the info coming. Well, other than general good nutrition and a low glycemic diet (similar to SugarBusters) here is what I am doing: DIM -- diindolymethane (I think I spelled that right lol) -- this is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables that has anti- Continue reading >>
The Best Vitamin Supplements For Women With Pcos
The Best Vitamin Supplements for Women with PCOS A registered nurse with more than 25 years of experience in oncology, labor/delivery, neonatal intensive care, infertility and ophthalmology, Sharon Perkins has also coauthored and edited numerous health books for the Wiley "Dummies" series. Perkins also has extensive experience working in home health with medically fragile pediatric patients. Vitamins may help decrease the symptoms of PCOS.Photo Credit: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images Between 5 to 10 percent of all women have polycystic ovary disease syndrome, or PCOS, a hormonal disorder characterized by larger than normal amounts of the male hormones called androgens. The name of the disease comes from the appearance of the ovaries, which have numerous small cysts. Women with PCOS often have insulin resistance, which leads to weight gain, anovulation, lack of ovulation and an inability to get pregnant and hirsutism. Several types of vitamins have been tried to reduce insulin resistance and induce ovulation. Sometimes known as vitamin B-8, inosotol reduced insulin resistance and improved symptoms in women with PCOS in a study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University. A 2007 Italian study conducted by the University of Perugia and reported by lead author S. Gerli also found that inosotol given with another B vitamin, folic acid, improved ovulatory function and also raised high-density lipoprotein levels, the protective good type of cholesterol. The study, which lasted 14 weeks, followed 92 women, half taking folic acid only as placebo and half taking a combination of inositol and folic acid. The inositol plus folic acid began to ovulate in 25 percent of cases, compared to 15 percent for the folic acid only group. In the University of Perugia study, folic acid Continue reading >>
Top 5 Supplements For Pcos - Recipesforpcos
Follow Us On Pinterest For All The Freshest Recipes! A good quality multivitamin and mineral would form the foundation of your supplement programme to make sure that you are getting a little bit of everything. You then add in those nutrients in slightly higher amounts which are known to be helpful for PCOS. Inositol, specifically myo and d-chiro-inositol are perhaps the most researched nutritional supplement for PCOS. A relatives of the B complex vitamins, insositol has shown favorable results in improving nearly all aspects of PCOS, including insulin sensitivity, reproduction (restores ovulation and improves oocyte quality), hormonal imbalance, (improves androgens) and metabolic issues (inflammation, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and weight loss). There is also evidence that taking MYO in pregnancy can reduce the rates of gestational diabetes (6). In regards to fertility, MYO improved oocyte quality better than d-chiro inositol (DCI). MYO has also been demonstrated to restore ovulation. Twenty-two of 25 women with PCOS had restored menstrual cycle with six months of MYO treatment; 72% of them maintained normal ovulation, and 40% became pregnant (7). One study compared ovulation rates in women treated with MYO versus metformin . Sixty women received 1,500 mg/day of metformin, while 60 women received 4 g/day of MYO plus 400 mcg of folic acid. Ovulation was restored in 65% of women treated with MYO vs. 50% in the metformin group. More pregnancies occurred in the MYO group vs. metformin (18% vs. 11%) (8). New research shows that a combination of MYO and DCI works best for PCOS. Every tissue in the body has its own ratio of MYO to DCI (MYO is always much higher). DCI is produced from MYO when needed. New research has shown that a combination of MYO and DCI is a more effectiv Continue reading >>
The 5 Best Supplements For Pcos
There are several types of PCOS on what I like to call the PCOS spectrum and these types fall underthree banners synthetic-hormone induced PCOS, insulin-resistant PCOS, and inflammation-based PCOS. While there are specific treatment protocols I advise for each type, there are still crossovers between, and certain supplements benefit every woman suffering with PCOS.Ive had my own PCOS in remission for some 20 years using my FLO Living protocol. Food is the foundation of this protocol,but supplements super-charge the benefits of those hormone-supportive foods. I personally had a combination of the PCOS types mentioned above and I was able to roll back the symptoms and regain my health and fertility with the Cycle Syncing lifestyle. Micki and Judith are just two of the thousands of women Ive helped reverse their own PCOS since teaching the FLO Living protocol to women. In previous posts Ive explained in detail why the two most commonly prescribed PCOS treatments you are most likely to be offered that is, Metformin and the birth control pill are not actually effective and moreso band-aid solutions that sidestep the root cause and dont tackle the issue long-term. Briefly, Metformin is only right for women with insulin-resistant PCOS, and even for these women I still recommend only short term use of the drug, and always paired with proactive changes to diet and lifestyle. The birth control pill masks the problems associated with PCOS. It may suppress some of the symptoms short term, but they usually come back once you go off and can be exacerbated by compounded hormonal imbalance. The pill exacerbates many of the root causes of PCOS, including insulin-resistance and inflammation. These 5 supplements will be beneficial to all women with PCOS, addressing the root causes of thi Continue reading >>
How To Reduce The Damaging Effects Of Pcos On Fertility Through Diet And Herbs
Causes of PCOS Signs, Symptoms & Risks Tests & Diagnosis Menstrual Cycle Irregularities Medical Options PCOS Diet Natural Therapies Summary Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome may be one of the most complex female health issues of our time. It is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. PCOS is accompanied by a variety of different health issues, many of which directly impact fertility. Classic PCOS presents with obesity, polycystic ovaries (multiple ovarian cysts that look like a strand of pearls), elevated levels of androgens and absent or irregular menstrual cycles. Not all women who will go on to be diagnosed with PCOS will have these issues though. In this article we’ll be discussing the causes, symptoms, and health risks of PCOS; medical treatment options; natural herbs and supplements such as vitex, progesterone, maca root and dim; and also how to eat a PCOS fertility diet; one of the best things you can do to improve your chances of becoming pregnant. What Causes PCOS? Doctors are unsure of what causes PCOS, but information suggests there are several links including genes, possible abnormal fetal development, insulin resistance and inflammatory response contributing to the cause. We know that insulin resistance plays a key role in PCOS, but what leads to the development of this has not been pinned down. PCOS is also negatively affected by diet, lifestyle and exposure to certain environmental toxins. PCOS directly impacts fertility, but has serious health implications as well, especially if left untreated. Genetic Predisposition and Abnormal Fetal Development Women whose mothers, sisters or grandmothers had PCOS are at a higher risk for developing PCOS. Research suggests that exposure to excessive amounts of male hormones (androgens) by the deve Continue reading >>
How To Lose Weight With Pcos: 21 Proven Weight Loss Tips
How to lose weight with PCOS? This is a common question for women with PCOS. If you struggle with your weight, you are not alone; 60% of American women are either overweight or obese. However, losing weight can be especially difficult for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS. Why Is It So Hard to Lose Weight with PCOS? Women with PCOS usually have two major issues that make it hard to lose weight: abnormally high levels of androgens, or male hormones, and insulin resistance. However, it is very important for women with this syndrome to achieve a healthy weight, as this reduces the severity of PCOS symptoms. In addition, women with PCOS are at higher risk of developing serious health problems that are exacerbated by extra pounds, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. While losing weight is difficult for women with this syndrome, it is very important to lifelong health and improvement of fertility issues. How to Lose Weight with PCOS Losing weight with PCOS requires a multi-pronged approach. Not only do women need to eat fewer calories and exercise more often, they also need to control insulin and blood sugar levels while maintaining healthy hormone levels. These goals can be achieved with the following 21 tips. 1. Decide on an appropriate calorie goal and stick to it. Depending on your weight and activity level, you will need to eat 1200-2000 calories a day to lose weight. You may want to discuss your calorie goal with your physician, as it is not healthy to eat too few calories. Once you have set your goal, begin tracking your calories. Many people unknowingly eat many more calories than they realize. A food journal will help you to understand and overcome your weaknesses. Write down everything that you eat or drink along with their calorie content. This Continue reading >>
10 Best Supplements For Pcos
Readers often ask me what some of the best supplements for PCOS, a metabolic disorder that can cause a whole lot of hormonal symptoms. Many women are looking for alternatives to the typical lineup of prescription drugs, which only mask the root cause rather than address the concern head on. The most common treatment offered to women with PCOS is a birth control pill which can have intense side effects that often end up worsening symptoms of PCOS. However, PCOS is 100% treatable with changes in diet and lifestyle. I know this firsthand. Every day I help women with PCOS eliminate their symptoms and bring their body back in balance through natural, healthy lifestyle regimens . Supplements can be an effective way to fast track healing and support healthy hormones. A balanced hormonal system can create more predictable periods, glowing skin, healthy hair, and reduced and PCOS symptoms. In this guide, Ill discuss which supplements for PCOS my patients have reported most beneficial while working in my clinic and a bit of the research on how they can help. PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women . Despite the name, it doesnt actually stem from a gynecological concern at its source. In fact, PCOS is entirely to do with the endocrine (hormone) system . Insulin resistance and inflammation are the major causes of PCOS. Insulin resistance that is a result of inflammation may actually cause PCOS rather than being a result of the disease. This metabolic disorder can contribute to hormonal imbalances that further worsen PCOS symptoms. Having elevated testosterone is one common symptom in PCOS. While it is healthy for women to have some testosterone , excess levels of testosterone can create problems for the female body, like causing you to Continue reading >>
How I Cured Pcos + Leaky Gut Naturally!
Learn how to cure PCOS + Leaky Gut naturally with food, safe supplements and holistic lifestyle changes. No prescriptions required! **This post first appeared August 2016. It was updated July 2017 to reflect new information, supplement recommendations, and a helpful checklist of natural treatments for PCOS and Leaky Gut. Its been exactly two years since I was first diagnosed with PCOS, Leaky Gut + Insulin Resistance. And one year since I was pronounced cured by my doctor! Im warning you now. This ones a doozy! It may be the longest post Ive ever written, so settle in. Pour yourself a cup of butter coffee and stay a while. I promise the pay-off of sticking with me through to the end will be worth it (theres a special FREE goodie for you in the post!). Some of you may remember my story , and how that diagnosis was just one phase in my health journey. For several years before my diagnosis, I struggled with chronic constipation, unexplained nausea, fatigue,irregular periods, acne, PMS, weight gain and irregular blood sugar. And yet, despite going to many, many doctors and specialists, nobody knew what was wrong with me. In fact, most doctors just chalked my concerns up to aging or being a woman (keep in mind, I was in my mid-twenties!) and either dismissed me entirely or just threw expensive prescription medication at my symptoms, rather than working to heal the root cause; medication that had really extreme and scary side effects, and that ultimately did NOT work. But thats not what this post is about (you can read more about my diagnosis here ). No, today, I am here with good news! Today, I am here to tell you that just one year after my diagnosis, one year after I found a doctor who really listened to me, discovered the root cause of my symptoms and put me on a path to Continue reading >>
How To Lose Weight With Pcos
Lisa lost 125lbs. despite having PCOS The Facts: Insulin resistance is the main reason why its more challenging for you to lose weight with PCOS. About 80% of the women with PCOS have insulin resistance but if you're overweight chances are you already have an insulin resistance. It's tougher for you to lose weight with PCOS because the insulin resistance increases your hunger & cravings making you eat too much so… The Best Way to Lose Weight with PCOS is to… Get rid of or lower your insulin resistance so you can lose weight normally just like everyone else and there's 8 simple ways you can get rid of insulin resistance… 1. Eat Right Eat more weight loss foods while avoiding the sugary, salty & fatty foods you love as much as possible. Eat more protein by making at least 30% of your diet protein while making carbs less than 50% of your diet. Use this tool to determine the right amount of protein, carbs & fats in your diet. Tip: Eat more foods high in resistant starch like Navy beans, bananas & potatoes because resistant starch lowered insulin resistance or improved insulin sensitivity in overweight people by over 50% when taking only 15 grams of resistant starch per day! 2. Exercise Follow these 10 rules to lose weight faster while exercising. Beginners: Do low-to-moderate activities like walking or swimming for 30-to-90 minutes per day. Exercise has been shown to lower or get rid of insulin resistance. The more overweight you are = the more likely you are to be insulin resistant whether you have PCOS or not. You can get rid of insulin resistance by going on any of these weight loss plans to lose weight by eating right & exercising. Losing just 5% of your bodyweight (which is only 5-to-20 pounds depending on how much you weigh) will help lower your insulin resistan Continue reading >>
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (pcos)
Excess production of luteinizing hormone by the pituitary gland is often the initial cause, prompting a womans ovaries to produce higher-than-normal levels of the male sex hormone androgen and lower-than-normal levels of follicle-stimulating hormone. This prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg, which instead remains in the ovary and develops into a cyst. Who is likely to develop polycystic ovarian syndrome? PCOS affects between 5 and 10 percent of females. Symptoms often begin at puberty, but women are most likely to be diagnosed with PCOS in their twenties or thirties. Those who have a mother or sister with PCOS have a higher risk of developing the condition. How is polycystic ovarian syndrome diagnosed? Physicians typically recognize PCOS by its symptoms alone, and can sometimes feel enlarged ovaries or large ovarian cysts during a pelvic examination. Other tests can be used to confirm a diagnosis of PCOS, including: Abdominal or vaginal ultrasound, which use sound waves to create images of the pelvic organs on a screen. Conventional treatment of PCOS is aimed at addressing symptoms, especially those that contribute to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Treatments include: Medications to regulate a womans menstrual cycle, such as oral contraceptives (birth control pills) and progesterone. Medications that block excessive androgen, such as the drug spironolactone (Aldactone). Fertility drugs (if pregnancy is desired) that trigger ovulation, such as Clomid. The drug Metformin (glucophage), which treats insulin resistance and shows promise for treating PCOS in particular. For some women with PCOS who have difficulty getting pregnant, a type of surgery called laparoscopic ovarian drilling may be recommended to stim Continue reading >>
Insulin Resistance And Fertility: Part 4
Part 4: of Insulin Resistance and Fertility: Supplements Originally published by Dr. Fiona McCulloch in Naturopathic Currents in September 2013, you can read the original article here. This article has been broken down into a four part series, links to the other parts of this series are listed below: Part 4: Supplements for Insulin Resistance and Fertility Myo-inositol as an insulin-sensitizing supplement that is useful in polycystic ovarian syndrome and other insulin resistant fertility concerns. At a dose of 4 grams per day, myo-inositol improves ovarian activity, insulin sensitivity and fertility in patients with PCOS.(1) Myo-inositol also decreases testosterone(2) and is a marker of good egg quality.(3) A study on 37 women with PCOS found that 1.8 grams daily of NAC improved insulin resistance by reducing insulin levels and increasing insulin sensitivity.(4) Another study on 100 women with PCOS found that 600mg of NAC three times daily had effects comparable to metformin on lowering insulin, male hormones, and improving menstrual cyclicity.(5) A study on 180 patients with PCOS taking 1.2 grams of NAC daily along with the ovulation inducer Clomid had improved ovulation and pregnancy rates when compared to Clomid alone.(6) Fish Oil Fish oil may decrease insulin resistance. In a study of 12 overweight men and women who had insulin resistance, 70% of the participants taking fish oil decreased insulin resistance.(7) EPA and DHA from fish oil also increase adiponectin,(8) which improves insulin resistance. Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil also lower the inflammatory markers(9) secreted by the fatty tissue in patients with insulin resistance. This improves implantation in patients suffering with infertility.(10) EPA and DHA also prevent fatty acid oxidation and reduce inf Continue reading >>
