PCOS

What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) refers to a syndrome found in about 1 out of every 10 women, that causes complications with a woman’s ability to produce and release eggs. When ovaries do not eggs through follicles, these follicles can turn into fluid-filled cysts.

PCOS can cause severe hormone imbalances, which can overstimulate a woman’s production of male hormones.

In most cases, PCOS develops at the same time as a woman’s first period, though the recognition of PCOS by not occur until a woman tries to conceive.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

• Period irregularity
• Bleeding between menstrual cycles
• Facial hair
• Acne
• Weight gain
• Skin tags
• Infertility
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Thinning hair

The excessive production of male hormones in your system causes many of your symptoms, giving your body masculine characteristics

What causes PCOS?

PCOS is correlated with obesity, insulin resistance, and Type 2 diabetes, however, the exact cause of PCOS remains unclear. Given its widespread occurrence among women, we are hopeful that more research efforts will be undertaken to explore the causes of PCOS.  

Can you reverse PCOS?

Insulin resistance has been shown to be central to the hormonal disturbances of PCOS. The team at the Center for Primary Healthcare invites you to consider our Fresh Weigh (button)program as a means to address insulin resistance head-on. Adopting a ketogenic diet will bring your insulin levels down. This is often is the turning point for women with PCOS in conceiving a child. Cleveland Clinic reported a case study demonstrating successful weight loss ranging from 8-20%, in four obese women in their twenties. Each woman successfully conceived after following a physician-supervised ketogenic diet for a year. Regular menstruation was achieved within one month, without the use of oral contraceptives. Ovulation was induced through their food plan and without additional pharmaceutically formulated hormones.

There are other risk factors that women can consider modifying to address their PCOS. Your gut microbiome may benefit from changes in its composition through prebiotics and resistant starch vegetables. You can also take steps to reduce your exposure to AGEs--advanced glycation end-products through an alteration in cooking methods and food preparation.

A structured program for accountability in your diet plan can give you a sense of progress towards your weight loss goals. Our team can also serve to be a tremendous source of encouragement for you in your journey towards healing and conception.

Dr. Crevier holds a monthly forum for people to explore our FreshWeigh program. Please see our calendar for the scheduled forum.

Get a handle on your PCOS symptoms and establish care with The Center for Primary Healthcare today by phone or online.