Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is a very common condition that women and people with ovaries can experience.
It often shows up as delayed periods, oily skin, acne, unwanted hair growth, difficulty with blood sugar regulation, and difficulty losing weight.
It can also be a cause of having difficulty trying to conceive.
If you think you may have PCOS, make
sure you talk to someone on your health team to get assessed.
Lab
testing that is
important for PCOS includes checking your level of the following:
- Blood sugar
- Insulin level
- Iron
- Vitamin D
- Cholesterol
- Testosterone
All of these lab values are important to monitor in someone who has PCOS. They can help with short term symptom management, and long term prevention of other health concerns.
Nutrition and lifestyle changes are extremely important in PCOS to help manage symptoms and prevent long term health consequences from arising (diabetes).
Regular
exercise is important
to help with weight management, blood sugar regulation, and regular menstrual
cycles.
Reducing high starch foods, sugary foods, and processed foods, while increasing protein can have a big impact on PCOS and blood sugar.
Supplements are very important in addition to
nutrition and lifestyle changes in PCOS.
N-Acetyl Cysteine can improve ovulation and help restore regular menstrual cycles.
Inositol can help to improve insulin levels and reduce blood sugar.
Spearmint can help to reduce testosterone.
Talk to your naturopathic doctor to learn
if these might be right for you.
This article is presented by Dr. Laura
Hoffmann, Naturopathic Doctor (ND).
For more information, or to schedule
an appointment, contact our office at:
519-662-4441
www.nhwc.ca
#PCOS #PolycysticOvarianSyndrome
#naturopathicmedicine
