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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.
Cause PCOS is caused by an abnormality in the pituitary or hypothalamus glands or an imbalance between the adrenal and ovarian hormones
Symptoms can 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 treatment for 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 cause of 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 try to 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.
Detoxification takes 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.
Avoid all 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
Complimentary Medicine
Complimentary medicines such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Iridology, Reflexology, Acupuncture, Acupressure or Chinese Herbs can all help to treat the cause rather than just suppress the symptoms ~ any of these healing modalities can be used to compliment orthodox medicine and can help speed the healing process.
Testosterone
High testosterone levels can be lowered with the use of the herb Chaste tree.
Caution - 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 (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 circulation
A 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. See the page on reflexology for more information on how to treat yourself to a fertility boost or book in for a reflexology treatment with a qualified practitioner in your area
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 |
|
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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
Caution During the first trimester avoid all medications. Some medicines, herbs, essential oils etc. are not safe for pregnant women or should be monitored carefully to avoid potential side effects ~ some of these include acetaminophen (tylenol, dantril), ampicillin (omnipen, polycillin), antacids (alka-seltzer, di-gel, gelusil, maalox, pepto-bismol, rolands, tums) antihistamines, asprin, cold pills, cough remedies, decongestants, estrogens, etretinate (tegison), isotretinoin (accutane), shark cartilage, and
some Herbs you will need to be cautious about ~ angelica, arbor vitae, barberry, basil oil, bitter orange, black cohosh, blue cohosh, cats claw, cayenne, celery seed, chamomile oil, cinnamon, comfrey, cowslip, dang gui, elderbark, fennel, fenugreek, feverview, ginseng, goldenseal, greater celandine, green tea, juniper, lady’s mantle, lavender, licorice, marjoram mistletoe, motherwort, mugwort, myrrh, nutmeg, parsley, passionflower, pennyroyal, pokeroot, rhubarb root, rue, sage, senna, shepherds purse, southernwood, tansey, thyme, vervain, wild yam, wood betony, wormwood and yarrow.
Seek the advice of your health care practitioner before taking any preparation if you suspect that you could be pregnant
The statements found within these pages have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If a product or treatment is recommended in these pages, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information contained herein is meant to be used to educate the reader and is in no way intended to provide individual medical advice. Medical advice must only be obtained from a qualified health practitioner.
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