PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility, if not *the* leading cause.
While lots of research is being directed towards PCOS it is still somewhat of a medical mystery. It is common in families indicating a potential genetic link, but the gene or gene sequence has yet to be identified. There also appears to be environmental influences related to the onset of PCOS in susceptible women.
PCOS is estimated to affect 6-20% of women1 with diagnosis coming down to 2 of the 3 following signs and symptoms: hyperandrogenism (high testosterone or other androgens on blood work OR “masculine” facial hair growth on the jaw, chin, or neck), irregular periods, and polycystic ovaries seen on ultrasound that typically look like a string of pearls.
Metabolic symptoms such as high blood sugar, high insulin, inflammation, and obesity are very commonly found with the above diagnostic criteria, and carry the same health risks as when they are do to diet and lifestyle imbalances.
Western treatment usually revolves around a combination of the birth control pill to regulate menses, and sprironolactone to block androgens. Additional anti-diabetic or cardiovascular medications may also be prescribed to address the health impacts of high blood sugar, insulin, and lipids.
Luckily natural medicine has a host of offerings to help address the root causes of PCOS. From lowering testosterone to helping the body reinstate a natural menstrual rhythm to supporting metabolic health there are well researched herbs and nutraceuticals to bring the body back into balance. This is particularly important for a woman with PCOS who wants to conceive, as the birth control pill is a poor treatment choice for obvious reasons!
References
- Siddiqui S, Mateen S, Ahmad R, Moin S. A brief insight into the etiology, genetics, and immunology of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). J Assist Reprod Genet. 2022 Nov;39(11):2439-2473. doi: 10.1007/s10815-022-02625-7. Epub 2022 Oct 3. PMID: 36190593; PMCID: PMC9723082.