Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a condition where multiple follicular cysts are present on the ovaries. Multiple follicles start to grow and in severe cases none of the follicles ripen enough for an ovum to be released. Often resulting in an irregularity or an inability to ovulate. PCOS can cause higher than normal testosterone and Luteinizing Hormone levels, and low progesterone levels increasing the risk of uterine cancer breast cancer and estrogen dominance. CausePCOS is caused by an abnormality in the pituitary or hypothalamus glands or an imbalance between the adrenal and ovarian hormones Symptomscan include all of the symptoms of estrogen dominance and where testosterone levels are high; increased facial hair, acne and obesity. Estrogen dominance The precise balance between estrogen and progesterone is essential for normal fertility. PCOS can often cause estrogen dominance * while normal estrogen levels are usually recognised during the first half of the womans' cycle (follicular phase), a failure to ovulate stops progesterone from reaching normal levels during the second half of the cycle (luteal phase) which is required for the precise balance between the two. If estrogen levels continue cycle after cycle unopposed by progesterone (its natural counterpart) estrogen dominance often prevails, with very serious health risks. Estrogen dominance can cause the following conditions: abnormal thyroid function, accelerated ageing, agitation, allergies (asthma, rashes and sinusitis), anxiety, auto-immune disorders (lupus, thyroiditis), bloating, blurred vision, breast tenderness, cervical dysplasia, endometriosis, cold hands and feet, copper retention, decreased libido, depression, dry eyes, extra short follicular or luteal phases, fatigue, fibrocystic breasts, food cravings, gallbladder disease, hair thinning, headaches, hypoglycaemia, increased risk of breast cancer, increased blood clotting, increased risk of stroke, infertility, irregular periods, increased facial hair, irritability, insomnia, loss of zinc, memory loss, miscarriage, mood swings, osteoporosis, premature menstruation, pre-menopausal bone density loss, PMS, reduced oxygen in cells, reduced vascular tone and circulation, salt retention, sluggish metabolism, uterine cancer, uterine cramping, uterine fibroids, water retention, weight gain (especially the hips thighs and abdomen). Medical treatmentfor PCOS is with ovarian stimulating drugs (Clomid); stimulates the production of FSH, which in turn can trigger ovulation. While this drug can induce ovulation it does not treat the causeof the condition, and may cause further hormonal disturbances. Clomid has also been linked with ovarian cancer as well as other side effects like exploding ovaries, nausea, headaches and thrush. Clomid is known to thicken the cervical mucus * lowering fertility. Natural treatments Unlike Clomid, natural remedies can be used to treat and cure the actual cause of this condition. Good nutrition is imperative as is weight loss in cases of women who suffer from obesity. Detoxification is the first step to eliminate harmful toxins from the body. Then a variety of natural treatments are recommended to regulate the hormonal imbalance and stimulate the sex glands to promote normal functioning. Acupuncture and herbs are the best combined treatment for this condition (PCOS) and one can overcome this problem within a few short months, with ovaries returning back to normal size and function and hormonal balance and normal cycles restored. The risk of miscarriage is higher with sufferers of PCOS and/or estrogen dominance; once the problem is corrected a healthy conception and pregnancy can occur. Some of the herbs listed are not suitable for those trying to conceive, so it is best to wait until this treatment is finished or consult your herbalist or naturopath. Detoxificationtakes place through the digestive, urinary, immune, lymphatic, and circulatory and respiratory systems as well as the skin. Through the use of antioxidants, vitamin and mineral rich fruit and vegetables or supplements and cleansing and stimulating herbs you can detoxify your bodily systems slowly over the course of a 10 days. You must seek the advice of your GP or naturopath before beginning a detoxification program and introduce the herbs or make dietary changes slowly. Detoxification is important to remove toxic substances from the body and these herbs are effective * Calendula, kelp, ginkgo biloba, juniper, echinacea, sarsaparilla, St Johns wort, marjoram, cleavers, ginger, garlic, cayenne, dandelion root, false unicorn root, golden seal, fenugreek, ginseng, rose hips, red raspberry leaf, red clover, hops, peppermint, comfrey, lemon balm, parsley, turmeric, alfalfa, lemon grass, black cohosh, blue cohosh, valerian, barberry, bilberry, bayberry, nasturtium and salvia. Vitamins, minerals and foods for detoxification are* Vitamin A, Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, calcium, zinc, iron, chromium, selenium, magnesium, manganese, garlic and onions, celery, legumes, citrus fruit, bananas, apples and pears, black tea and green tea, wheat germ, wholemeal and whole wheat products, soy products, brown rice, seeds and nuts, beans, peas, sprouts, lentils, free range eggs, deep sea fish, asparagus, brussel sprouts and cabbage, all vegetables and fresh vegetable juices, olive oil, flaxseed oil and linseed oil. Avoid all poultry, red meat and meat products for the first 4 days and reintroduce organically grown meat and poultry slowly starting from day 5. Drinks - purified or spring water is essential for detoxification, you should drink between 2 and 3 litres per day, as well as vegetable juices and herbal teas including black tea and green tea. A glass of water first thing in the morning with the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon will do wonders. Exercise- Undertake light exercise like walking or swimming daily and breathe lots of clean fresh air, include gentle stretches or yoga. A hot sitz bath(bath up to the hip/abdomen level) with 500gms of Epsom salts added will also help to eliminate toxins from the skin. Essential oils can be added to the bath water for added effect * geranium, calendula, cleavers, peppermint, ginger, hay flower, horsetail, mustard seed, thyme, camomile, lavender, sweet violet, nettle, bittersweet, eucalyptus or sandalwood. Sitz baths (with or without Epsom salts) have shown to be very effective at stimulating the ovaries, promoting circulation and digestion, lymphatic function and improve general wellbeing. The bath should remain hot * you may need to top up the bath with hot water at intervals and take a 20 * 30 min sitz bath at least 3 times per week.A sauna is also an effective way to eliminate toxins from the skin. A body brush or loofa is also helpful just prior to a bath or shower, to remove dead skin cells and improve circulation. Massage* Lymphatic massage or drainage is another technique to eliminate toxic substances form the body; this is also useful in weight loss as it increases circulation. Avoidall drugs, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, refined carbohydrates and sugars, pre-packaged, deep fried food, highly processed foods, salt (sea or herb salt is preferred), saturated fats, chemicals and additives. Natural treatments for PCOS Testosterone- High testosterone levels can be lowered with the use of the herb Chaste tree.Although you must not use chaste tree if LH levels are also high. Luteinizing Hormone- High LH levels can be lowered with the use of these herbs * Black Cohosh, Bugleweed and Hops. Progesterone - These herbs can be helpful in raising progesterone levels - Wild yam, sarsaparilla, true unicorn root, blue cohosh, fenugreek, beth root, yucca and mistletoe. Natural progesterone creams have also proven very successful in treating estrogen dominance. To balance the hormones* Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin E, zinc, magnesium, chromium, vanadium, and herbs * false unicorn root, dong quai, black cohosh, liquorice and peony Herbs to help with cysts are* Thuja, poke root, red clover, violet leaves and blue flag. Food for healthy ovaries* alfalfa, all sprouted seeds/beans, soy products, tofu, tempeh, linseed, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, millet, cucumber, wheat germ, and herbs - aniseed, parsley, sage, hops, red clover, black cohosh, kelp, fennel, liquorice, dong quai, St Johns wort, wild yam, peony, and ladies mantle. Sitz baths *Sitz baths (with or without Epsom salts) have shown to be very effective at stimulating the ovaries, promoting circulation and digestion, lymphatic function and improve general wellbeing. The bath should remain hot * you may need to top up the bath with hot water at intervals and take a 20 * 30 min sitz bath at least 3 times per week. Essential oils can be added to the bath water for added effect * geranium, calendula, peppermint, ginger, hay flower, thyme, camomile, lavender, sweet violet, eucalyptus or sandalwood. You can use herbal tea bags or a few drops of pure essential oil.Massage - promotes circulationA pressure point to stimulate pituitary function is located underneath the foot in the centre of the big toe, massage or pressure on this point can help to `wake up' the pituitary gland and can help to treat pituitary dysfunction. What are normal hormone levels? Hormone follicular mid cycle luteal Estrogen 100-750 370-1500 370-770 FSH 2-12 12-90 2-12 LH 2-12 15+ 2-15 Progesterone .5-4.5 10-89 Testosterone 6-86 The ratio of LH:FSH in the follicular phase is usually close to 1:1, but if the LH is higher, it is a possible indication of PCOS. A level of testosterone above 50 is a possible indication of PCOS Fertility Advice
Good nutrition not only increases fertility and promotes a problem free pregnancy, it also has shown to lead to children born with: even and beautiful features, well formed skulls, good posture, no allergies, no mental retardation, advanced development, and well balanced emotions. Our dietary recommendations include information on how to avoid stretch marks, varicose veins, haemorrhoids, perineal tear at the time of delivery, cracked nipples, and how best to avoid morning sickness and reduce the risk of post natal depression among many other points. It is included to maximize the chances of conceiving, and to ensure a healthy baby is conceived.
Source:
www.smartstork.com
PCOS: a Natural approach 
