Basic Things You Should Know About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome to Find Out if You Have It
How PCOS is Related to Insulin Resistance, What the Symptoms Are, and More
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects 8% to 13% of women of reproductive age, making it a leading cause of infertility. However, it is more than just a fertility issue: PCOS impacts nearly every aspect of a woman's health, from skin and hair to metabolism and emotional well-being. The most surprising part is that many women have it and don't even know it.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
PCOS isn’t a disease in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a metabolic variation that occurs when the body reacts to an environment that doesn't align with its biological evolution. In other words, our fast-paced, stressful, and often imbalanced modern lifestyle is incompatible with how our bodies evolved to function.
The Three Main Criteria for Diagnosing PCOS
To diagnose PCOS, doctors look for at least two of the following three criteria:
Irregular menstrual cycles: This includes missed periods, very long or short cycles, or unpredictable periods. If your cycle is irregular, it could be a sign of PCOS.
Signs of hyperandrogenism: This term refers to physical signs of excess male hormones, such as persistent acne, thinning hair on the scalp, or excessive hair growth in areas like the face, chest, or back.
Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound: On an ultrasound, polycystic ovaries appear with more than 10 follicles per ovary, often resembling a "string of pearls."
Insulin Resistance: A Critical Component of PCOS
One of the most common aspects of PCOS is insulin resistance (IR), affecting more than 85% of women with this disorder. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps cells absorb glucose (sugar) from the blood for energy. When the body becomes resistant to insulin, the pancreas produces more to compensate. This excess insulin can cause an increase in androgen production, the male hormones, worsening PCOS symptoms like acne and hair growth.
Interestingly, insulin resistance isn’t exclusive to PCOS. It can occur in women who don’t have the syndrome and can even be inherited. If your mother had insulin resistance or PCOS, you’re more likely to develop it too. But why does this happen? The answer lies in our evolution.
PCOS and Insulin Resistance: A Survival Mechanism
From an evolutionary perspective, PCOS and insulin resistance can be seen as survival mechanisms. In times of food scarcity, having insulin resistance and storing fat would have been advantageous for survival. However, in the modern world, where carbohydrate-rich and sugary foods are abundant, this adaptation can become problematic.
Understanding PCOS as a metabolic function variation, rather than a disease, allows us to approach the disorder differently. Instead of seeing it as something that needs to be "cured," we can view it as a signal that our body needs lifestyle adjustments.
Lesser-Known Symptoms of PCOS
While the more well-known symptoms of PCOS include irregular menstrual cycles, acne, and polycystic ovaries, there are other symptoms that are less discussed but equally important:
Chronic fatigue: Many women with PCOS experience constant tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest.
Reduced physical and intellectual performance: Fatigue can lead to a decrease in the ability to perform physical or mental tasks.
Low libido: Hormonal imbalances can affect sexual desire in some women.
Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, or non-restorative sleep are common in women with PCOS.
Anxiety and depression: Hormonal imbalances and physical symptoms of PCOS can contribute to mental health issues, including anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.
Concentration problems: Women with PCOS often report difficulty concentrating or a sense of "brain fog."
Appetite changes: Some women experience increased hunger and a reduced sense of fullness, leading to weight issues.
These symptoms can vary from woman to woman, making PCOS diagnosis more complicated. Many women may not recognize these signs as part of PCOS and, therefore, may not seek medical help.
The Importance of Diagnosis and Regular Check-Ups
Diagnosing PCOS can be challenging, especially since symptoms vary from one woman to another. Proper and early diagnosis is crucial for managing the disorder effectively and preventing long-term complications, such as an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
If you suspect you might have PCOS, it’s essential to talk to a doctor. Diagnosis usually requires blood tests to evaluate hormone levels, an ultrasound to examine the ovaries, and an assessment of clinical symptoms. Regular follow-ups with a women's health specialist are also key to monitoring changes in your health.
PCOS and the Symptothermal Method
The Symptothermal Method is a powerful tool for women with PCOS. This natural family planning method involves observing and recording various fertility signs, such as basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and cervical position. Through this detailed tracking, women can gain a better understanding of their menstrual cycles and identify ovulation patterns.
For women with PCOS, whose cycles can be irregular, the Symptothermal Method offers a way to determine when (and if) they’re ovulating. Although many women with PCOS experience anovulation (lack of ovulation), tracking fertility signs can help identify cycle changes and improve body awareness.
Additionally, the Symptothermal Method can be a valuable tool for women trying to conceive and wanting to monitor their ovulation. Since PCOS is a leading cause of infertility, having a detailed record of cycles can be helpful for healthcare professionals in planning fertility treatments.
You could be interested in: The Symptothermal Method: Complete Guide
A Holistic Approach to Managing PCOS
There are many ways to approach PCOS holistically, including diet changes, exercise, and stress reduction.
Nutrition: A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is key to managing PCOS. Eating foods that stabilize blood sugar levels and reducing refined carbohydrates can help improve insulin resistance. Some studies also suggest that a diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories can help reduce inflammation associated with PCOS.
Exercise: Regular exercise is essential for managing PCOS. Aerobic activities, like walking or swimming, and strength training, such as lifting weights, can improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate hormones.
Stress Reduction: Chronic stress can worsen PCOS symptoms, as cortisol (the stress hormone) can negatively affect hormone levels. Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing are effective tools for reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
Supplements: While not all supplements are suitable for everyone, some, like inositol and vitamin D, have been shown to help women with PCOS. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.
Useful Resources and Next Steps
If you’ve made it this far, you now have a better understanding of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), its symptoms, and how the Symptothermal Method can help you manage this condition in a more natural and personalized way. But you don’t have to do it alone. Here are some additional resources that could be incredibly helpful on your journey to better menstrual and hormonal health:
Mira Fertility Monitor: This device is fantastic. It allows you to monitor your hormone levels at home through urine testing, using advanced technology similar to what hospitals and labs have. Mira is a valuable tool for those looking to better understand their cycle and how PCOS affects it by seeing quantitative results of their hormones.
If you’re interested in trying it, use my code EGARRONFP15 for 15% off.
Learn the Symptothermal Method with me.
Recommended Books:
Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden: A natural approach to treating hormonal imbalances.
Or schedule a 1-on-1 session with me to guide you through your menstrual cycle healing.
Disclaimer:
This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related topics. The information shared on this website or any linked material should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any medical concerns, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
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