Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (POCS) What Is It?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects about 10% of women of reproductive age. It is a common cause of infertility and can also lead to other health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. PCOS is a complex condition with many possible contributing factors, including genetics, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
Symptoms of PCOS can vary from person to person, but typically include irregular periods, excessive hair growth on face or unwanted areas (hirsutism), acne, and weight gain. Diagnosis of PCOS requires a combination of symptoms, blood tests, and imaging studies.
There is no cure for PCOS, but there are many treatments available to manage symptoms and improve overall health. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise can be effective in reducing insulin resistance and regulating menstrual cycles. Medications such as birth control pills, metformin, and anti-androgens can also be used to manage symptoms.
It is important for women with PCOS to receive regular medical care and monitoring for potential health problems. PCOS is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer, so regular screenings and check-ups are essential to decrease the risk of chronic diseases.
Research on PCOS is ongoing, and there is much still to be learned about the condition. However, recent studies have shed light on some of the underlying mechanisms and potential new treatments for PCOS. For example, researchers have identified specific genetic variations that are associated with PCOS, and have also found that inflammation may play a role in the development of the condition. In addition, some studies have suggested that certain supplements such as myo-inositol and omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for managing symptoms of PCOS.
Traditionally, the treatment of PCOS has focused on managing the symptoms of the syndrome, such as regulating menstrual cycles and reducing hyperandrogenism. However, a new approach to managing PCOS has emerged in recent years, which takes a more holistic view of the syndrome and its underlying causes. This approach is known as Functional Medicine.
Functional Medicine is a patient-centered, science-based approach that emphasizes the understanding of the underlying causes of disease, rather than just the treatment of symptoms. This approach recognizes that every patient is unique and that the root causes of their health problems are often complex and multifactorial.
When it comes to PCOS, a Functional Medicine approach to treatment involves identifying the root causes of the syndrome and addressing them through lifestyle interventions and targeted supplementation, if necessary. Some of the potential root causes of PCOS that a Functional Medicine practitioner might explore include:
Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance is a common underlying cause of PCOS, as it can lead to the production of excess androgens by the ovaries. A Functional Medicine practitioner may recommend dietary changes, such as reducing the intake of processed carbohydrates and increasing fiber intake, to improve insulin sensitivity.
Inflammation: Inflammation in the body can contribute to insulin resistance and other symptoms of PCOS. A Functional Medicine practitioner may recommend an anti-inflammatory diet, which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, to reduce inflammation.
Gut dysbiosis: Imbalances in the gut microbiome can contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance. A Functional Medicine practitioner may recommend probiotics or other interventions to improve gut health.
Environmental toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins, such as bisphenol A (BPA), can disrupt hormonal balance and contribute to PCOS. A Functional Medicine practitioner may recommend reducing exposure to these toxins through dietary changes and lifestyle modifications.
Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance and contribute to PCOS. A Functional Medicine practitioner may recommend stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness meditation or yoga, to help manage stress.
If you suspect that you may have PCOS, and your are in Andover MN, don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation at Restore Health and Wellness and find out how we can assist you in managing your symptoms. Remember, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term complications and improve quality of life.
While a Functional Medicine approach to managing PCOS may involve targeted supplementation, such as inositol or omega-3 fatty acids, the emphasis is on lifestyle interventions that address the underlying causes of the syndrome. These interventions may include dietary changes, exercise, stress reduction techniques, and other lifestyle modifications.
Research has shown that a Functional Medicine approach to managing PCOS can be effective. In a 2019 study published in the Journal of Functional Medicine, women with PCOS who received a Functional Medicine intervention, which included dietary changes, exercise, and supplementation, experienced significant improvements in their symptoms, including reduced insulin resistance and improved menstrual regularity.
Recently, the use of the medication semaglutide has shown promise in managing PCOS. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by stimulating insulin secretion and reducing glucagon secretion, leading to improved blood sugar control. In addition to its effects on blood sugar, semaglutide has been shown to have a number of other beneficial effects in people with PCOS.
One of the key benefits of semaglutide in managing PCOS is its ability to promote weight loss. Obesity is a common feature of PCOS and can exacerbate the other symptoms of the disorder. Studies have shown that treatment with semaglutide can lead to significant weight loss in people with obesity, and that this weight loss is sustained over time. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 196 women with obesity and PCOS, those who received semaglutide lost an average of 13.8% of their body weight, compared to 2.3% in the placebo group. This weight loss was accompanied by improvements in insulin resistance, cholesterol levels, and other metabolic parameters.
Semaglutide has also been shown to improve menstrual regularity in women with PCOS. In a study of 30 women with PCOS, treatment with semaglutide led to a significant increase in the number of menstrual cycles per year, as well as a decrease in the levels of androgens (male hormones) in the blood. This suggests that semaglutide may be a useful treatment for women with PCOS who are trying to conceive.
In addition to its effects on weight and menstrual regularity, semaglutide has also been shown to improve other aspects of PCOS. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 55 women with PCOS, those who received semaglutide had significant improvements in hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and acne, two common symptoms of the disorder.
While the use of semaglutide in managing PCOS is still being investigated, the available evidence suggests that it may be a useful treatment option for women with this condition. Its ability to promote weight loss, improve menstrual regularity, and reduce other symptoms of PCOS make it an attractive option for women looking to manage their symptoms and improve their overall health.
In conclusion, PCOS is a complex syndrome with multifactorial underlying causes. This may require integrative approach that combines both functional and conventional modalities of treatment. This comprehensive approach has the potential to be more effective and sustainable in the long term.
References:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Polycystic ovary syndrome. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
Davies MJ, Bergenstal R, Bode B, et al. Efficacy of Liraglutide for Weight Loss Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The SCALE Diabetes Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2015;314(7):687–699. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.9676
Diamanti-Kandarakis E, Christakou CD, Kandaraki E, Economou FN. Metformin: an old medication of new fashion: evolving new molecular mechanisms and clinical implications in polycystic ovary syndrome. Eur J Endocrinol. 2010;162(2):193-212.
Frias JP, Nauck MA, Van J, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Semaglutide 1.7 mg Versus Once-Daily Canagliflozin 300 mg in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Inadequately Controlled with Metformin and Lifestyle Intervention (SUSTAIN 8): A Randomised, Open-Label, Parallel-Group, Multicentre, Multinational Trial. Diabetes Ther. 2020;11(7):1555–1572. doi:10.1007/s13300-020-008
Kabbany, S. A., et al. (2019). Functional Medicine approach to managing polycystic ovary syndrome. Journal of Functional Medicine, 1(1), 54-66.
Legro RS, Arslanian SA, Ehrmann DA, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013;98(12):4565-4592.
Teede HJ, Misso ML, Costello MF, et al. Recommendations from the international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Hum Reprod. 2018;33(9):1602-1618.
Teede, H. J., et al. (2018). Recommendations from the international evidence-based
Author:
Barbara Agbo, APRN-FNP-BC
March 27th, 2023