Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
WHAT IS PCOS?
Polycystic ovary Syndrome is a condition that affects a woman's hormone levels. It is related to abnormal hormone levels in the body including high levels of insulin and excess amounts of male hormones. This hormonal imbalance can cause irregular ovulation, impacting fertility.
It is the most common female hormone condition and affects 1 in ten women in the Uk.
SYMPTOMS
PCOS affects individuals in different ways. Not everyone will have all the symptoms and the severity may vary.
Symptoms include:
➡️ Irregular periods
➡️ Irregular ovulation - or no ovulation
➡️ Polycystic ovaries
➡️ Facial hair
➡️ Oily skin/Acne
➡️ Thinning hair
➡️ Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
➡️ Mood changes
Acupuncture has the potential to improve clinical outcomes for women with PCOS when combined with usual care. (Gu Yunxia et al, 2018,Effect of Acupuncture Combined with Western Medicine on Hormone Level ans Ovarian Blood Flow in Infertile Women with Polycystic Ovary syndrome).
WHAT CAUSES PCOS?
The exact cause of Polycystic ovary Syndrome is unknown. However, there are associations with:
➡️ High Levels of Androgens
Androgens are typical male hormones e.g. Testosterone. Women make small amounts of androgens which vary through different points during a monthly cycle as well as throughout their life cycle. Women with PCOS have higher than normal androgen levels. This disrupts their reproductive cycle and can prevent them from ovulating as well as influencing the more physical symptoms of PCOS causing excess hair growth, acne, fatigue, weight gain.
➡️ High Levels of Insulin
Up to 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning their cells can't use insulin properly. The body's demand for insulin increases and the pancreas has to make more insulin to compensate. Extra insulin triggers the ovaries to produce more male hormones. This contributes to the increased production and activity of hormones like testosterone. Being overweight also increases the amount of insulin your body produces.
➡️ Genetics
Research into genetic disposition and PCOS is not conclusive. Studies are showing if female relatives have PCOS there is a higher chance that you are at risk. If male relatives have early male pattern baldness and/or severe acne this could also indicate a PCOS risk.
➡️ Inflammation
Women with PCOS often have increased levels of imflammation in their body. Being overweight can also contribute to inflammation. Studies have linked excess inflammation to higher androgen levels.
➡️ Diet and Lifestlye
Diet and lifestyle is being investigated as a trigger for PCOS. Proper diet and nutrition can have a positive outcome on managing PCOS.