Episode 11: How To Eliminate Symptoms Of PCOS Naturally

Join us as we discuss an integrative approach to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) with Dr. Felice Gersh. 10% of all women have PCOS, making it the most common female endocrine disorder and cause of female infertility in the world. Women with PCOS may suffer from acne, menstrual irregularity, infertility, obesity, autoimmune disease, diabetes, and heart disease. Traditionally, doctors treat symptoms one at a time, often with a new regime of pills for each symptom or an invasive surgery. This approach never addresses the underlying causes of PCOS so women are medicated but never healed.

PCOS is not JUST a reproductive problem, there is a strong link between reproductive function and metabolic function. Dr. Gersh goes into great detail about how the two are related and how a woman with PCOS can start to make manageable changes in her life toward feeling better.  

Episode Takeaways:

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

Most common endocrine disorder in women Starts in childhood Symptoms in reproductive age women Ovaries malfunction because of hormonal imbalances High levels of antimalarial hormones  Aromatase not functioning well In young girls you may see images like PCOS however they are young and their ovaries are just learning to work. A woman more in their 20s is ok to diagnosis  A PCOS Diagnosis is now defined by  Ultrasound imaging where the follicles can be seen on the ovaries Menstrual irregularity  Fundamentally it’s about estrogen deficiency and endocrine disruptors  Elevated Androgens - DHEA sulfate or high Testosterone  Male pattern baldness, systec acne, hair growth on the face

PCOS is not JUST a reproductive problem

There is a strong link between reproductive function and metabolic function Too overweight or too underweight run the risk of these issues Inflammation - chronic low level inflamed women, high rates of insulin resistance By age 40 these women are at higher risk for diabetes  There is a feeling of living with jetlag all the time Sleep problems  Struggle with melatonin production 

Tools for improving PCOS Symptoms

Food - you need more carbs than you think and you need to get the timing right If you can go Vegan for a little while that is helpful, if not, limit animal protein to just a few ounces Eat 9 servings of veggies a day, the body greatly benefits from the polyphenols, phytonutrients, fiber, and prebiotics in veggies  Have your biggest meal at breakfast, 1-2 hours after waking, smaller lunch, even smaller dinner. 13 hour fast between dinner and breakfast Try to eliminate snacking and stick to three meals this helps with insulin efficiency Have more Omega 3’s via supplements, seafood, Krill, etc Organic soy (NOT processed soy)  No dairy  Sleep! Get your circadian rhythm back on track  Stop looking at screens 2 hrs before bed or use blue blocking glasses if you must be at a screen. Get bright light into your eyes first thing in the morning Either by sunlight or a a light box with 10,000 Lux Finish eating by 7pm A very small dose of melatonin before bed can sometimes be helpful .5 or 1 milligram is all you need (don’t need it regularly)

 

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