Infertility can be caused by PCOS |
It is estimated that ten percent (10%) or more of women who are of child bearing age have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). No one really knows exactly what causes PCOS, but we do know it is clearly related to an imbalance in a female's hormones.
Both males and females produce sex hormones, but in different amounts. In females, the ovaries produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone, and also testosterone (the male hormone).
These hormones regulate a woman's menstrual cycle and ovulation. Even though androgens are sometimes referred to as "male hormones," every female produces them.
In women with PCOS, the ovaries produce higher than normal amounts of testosterone and this may interfere with egg development and release. Some of the eggs develop into cysts, which are little sacs filled with liquid. Instead of being released during ovulation, as an egg is during a normal menstrual cycle, these cysts build up in the ovaries and may become enlarged. Because women with PCOS are not ovulating or releasing an egg each month, it is common for them to have irregular or missed periods.
Unfortunately, the exact cause of PCOS is unknown. There may be a genetic factor, but further research is needed. Research has suggested that PCOS may be related to increased insulin production in the body. Women with PCOS may produce too much insulin, which signals their ovaries to release extra male hormones. This excess production of male hormones can cause acne, unwanted hair growth, weight gain and ovulation issues.
Symptoms of PCOS may be mild at first. You may only have a few symptoms or many. The most common symptoms include:
- Acne
- Weight gain/obesity - normally around the waist
- Increased unwanted coarse hair growth on the face and body
- Thinning hair on the scalp
- Infrequent, irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Infertility
- Skin tags on the neck and armpits
There is currently no one specific test to diagnose PCOS. At the Wycoff Wellness Center, a diagnosis of PCOS is reached after your health care provider has taken a comprehensive medical history, performed a physical examination, and reviewed the results of blood and/or saliva tests. The tests will measure hormone levels and rule out other causes for these symptoms.
Although there is no cure for PCOS, there are several ways that this condition can be managed. Our primary focus for controlling PCOS is to restore hormonal balance naturally and promoting healthy weight loss.
Weight loss is vital to deal with the symptoms of PCOS as it helps to reduce the risks of developing common complications of PCOS such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Sometimes weight loss alone can restore hormone levels to normal, causing many of the symptoms to lessen or disappear. Often, hormonal replacement is necessary to help balance your female hormones.
At the Wycoff Wellness Center we have many programs that we can individualize specifically for your needs. These include:
- First Line Therapy (FLT) - a specific nutritional program to promote healthy weight loss and improved body composition
- Natural bioidentical hormone replacement
- Nutritional counseling and support
- Natural thyroid replacement
- Nutritional and vitamin supplementation
Our health care providers recommend the following "Metagenics" nutritional products for restoration of hormonal balance and weight reduction for patients with PCOS: Please note - you may find more specific product information at www.wycoffwellness.meta-ehealth.com or by clicking on the blue "Metagenics" logo to the left of this page.
Estrium Medical Food - This is a medical food (meal or snack replacement shake) that supports estrogen and progesterone levels. It will help relieve hormone related symptoms and maintain long-term hormonal health.
UltraMeal Medical Food - A powdered medical food (meal replacement shake) that is designed to nutritionally support the management of conditions associated with insulin resistance.
Meta 13C - Protects estrogen-sensitive tissues by promoting healthy estrogen detoxification to ensure long-term breast and endometrial health.
Vessel Care - Supports healthy methylation and homocysteine levels to promote overall cardiovascular health.
EPA-DHA Complex - This is a totally natural source of the Omega-3 essential fatty acids. It helps support proper cardiovascular, nervous and immune system function. It also provides nutritional support to help maintain healthy triglyceride levels.
EstroFactors - Promotes healthy estrogen metabolism and excretion in all ages.
Insinase - Designed to promote and maintain healthy insulin function and blood sugar support.
Chromium Picolinate - This important mineral supports insulin metabolism. It assists in the biochemical regulation of fat, carbohydrates and protein metabolism.
Meta Lipoate 300 - Supports healthy blood sugar metabolism and production of cellular energy. This is a premium form of alpha-lipoic acid.
