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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Polycystuc ovarian syndrome (PCO) is common - affecting around 1 in 6 women and is a sign of hormonal malfunction. PCO is rather complex and often poorly understood because it can be caused by an interaction of diet, stress and genetic factors. PCO is strongly associated with excess body fat and around 50% of women with PCO have excess body fat. Women who are apple-shaped (android shaped) with a high waist-to-hip ratio are more likely to develop PCO. In women with PCO the ovaries do not produce normal eggs and thus progesterone cannot be produced from the ovaries and regular bleeding ceases. Instead the ovaries produce excess male hormones (androgens) and the pancreas often produces high levels of the hormone insulin. High levels of insulin are not good because they further elevate the level of male hormones. These hormonal imbalances lead to a higher risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. The high levels of male hormones switch off the ovaries so that its eggs remain undeveloped and form small cysts hence the term polycystic ovarian syndrome. The ovary does not produce its normal cyclical production of estrogen and progesterone and indeed the ovarian hormone levels stay fairly static in much the same pattern as a man's hormonal system. It is usually possible to see the multiple small cysts just under the outer surface of the ovaries when an ultrasound examination is done. The most effective strategy to overcome PCO is weight loss and I suggest that you try to lose at least 10 kilograms in weight to begin with. Follow the principles of the Liver Cleansing Diet and eat foods that contain plant hormones (phyto-sterols). Such foods would be legumes (beans, peas, lentils), raw nuts, seeds and plentiful amounts of fruits and vegetables. Reduce your intake of foods that contain animal hormones such as diary products, red meat and chicken that is not free range. Begin a regular exercise program. It is important to avoid nutritional deficiencies and I have found that a powder containing a mixture of phytoestrogenic herbs and foods combined with vitamins and minerals is most helpful for women with hormonal imbalances. I also think you could change the type of hormone therapy that you are on. Firstly the pill Triquilar contains masculine synthetic progesterone which is too strong for you. You could stop the pill and try a natural progesterone cream or lozenge for 14 days of every month and this may restore your regular cycle, especially if you lose weight concurrently. Alternatively if your facial hair and acne problem are severe you could see a specialist endocrinologist who could prescribe you a tailor made pill combining a natural estrogen along with the synthetic anti-male progesterone called Androcur (cyproterone acetate). If you do need contraception, Androcur can be combined with a more feminine pill such as Diane or Femodene. These feminine types of contraceptives combined with Androcur, can overcome acne and/or facial hair as well as prevent excess hormone stimulation of the uterine lining. Thus they have a useful role in decreasing the risk of uterine cancer in women who rarely menstruate. Do not forget to address the emotional side of PCO. There are often stress factors and repressed emotions and fears that are causing imbalances in the neuropeptides produced in the part of the brain known as the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus can send the wrong messages to the pituitary gland, which fails to stimulate the ovaries to cycle. Relaxation therapies and counseling and natural calming agents such as the B group vitamins and magnesium can help greatly in these areas. |
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Last modified: March 15, 2009 |