Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Torquay.
Understanding PCOS: polycystic ovarian syndrome
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a very common hormonal and metabolic disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Like most syndromes it is not fully understood in the western medical model, as there has no definitive and diagnosable cause. What is known is that it can impact of physical, mental, and emotional well-being and so a holistic understanding is of great value when looking to manage PCOS through lifestyle, diet, and stress management.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal and metabolic disorder. This means it’s characterised by an imbalance in reproductive hormones, insulin resistance, and the body’s ability to break down and process macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) is affected. Typically excess androgen levels (male hormones) are present and there are multiple cysts on the ovaries. Due to these factors, PCOS presents with a range of identifiable signs.
Signs of PCOS
Amenorrhea (lack of menstrual cycle/irregular cycle)
Hirsutism (increased hair growth on face and body)
Oily or inflamed skin, acne.
Obesity, weight gain or troubling losing weight-due to insulin resistance.
Hair loss
Infertility
As PCOS is linked with insulin resistance there can be an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as being more prone to cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
Who Does PCOS Affect?
PCOS primarily affects women of reproductive age, typically between 15 and 44 years old. However, it can start as early as puberty and extend beyond menopause. While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, genetic and environmental factors play a significant role. Certain populations, including those with a family history of PCOS or diabetes, may be at higher risk.
PCOS mostly affects women between ages 15-45 years old, but it can begin with puberty and continue with menopause. Frustratingly the exact cause of PCOS is unknown but genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors are thought to play a significant role.
Due to its chronic nature, the impact of bodily symptoms and changes on self-image and fertility, PCOS can impact on mental and emotional health. Those suffering from PCOS are more prone to mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Stress and PCOS: A Vicious Cycle
If you’ve been following my posts for a while you’ll hear me say this all the time. Stress disrupts the healthy functioning of the body’s digestive, endocrine (hormones), and reproductive system. PCOS is a syndrome where the endocrine and digestive system’s are not functioning properly so it makes sense that stress negatively impacts on PCOS.
Stress and PCOS can form a negative and vicious cycle (think a negative feedback loop) where stress worsens PCOS symptoms, which in turn evelates your body’s stress response.
From a Chinese medicine perspective long standing stress that has disrupted the body’s healthy balanced state for long enough is one of the reasons why PCOS develops in the first place.
All of this highlights how important it is to manage stress and increase the body’s capacity to navigate stress and challenge. Things like acupuncture, mindfulness, meditation, exercise and time in nature all benefit the healthy regulation of your nervous system which in turn benefits sleep and better digestion, balance of hormones and a healthier immune response.
TCM and PCOS support: A Holistic Approach
Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic perspective on PCOS by addressing the underlying imbalances in the body rather than just the symptoms. From a Chinese medicine perspective the focus in PCOS is to understand the individual internal imbalances that may present.
Here are some ways TCM approaches PCOS:
Acupuncture: Regular acupuncture sessions can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce stress, and improve insulin sensitivity. Studies suggest that acupuncture may lower testosterone levels and promote ovulation in women with PCOS.
Herbal Medicine: Chinese herbal medicine has a recorded history of over 2000 years, and in that time has documented an extensive range of herbal prescriptions that have been traditionally used to support and regulate the menstrual cycle and improve fertility and vitality.
Dietary Therapy: TCM has always included dietary advice as part of supporting clients towards better health. Recommendations such as eating seasonally, cooking your food to improve digestion and avoiding overly sweet or processed foods, cold and raw foods that can slow and deplete the digestive process.
Lifestyle Recommendations: From a chinese medicine perspective knowing how to live is the key to better health and managing chronic health conditions. Things such as exercise, mindful movement, meditation increase our connection to ourselves and the world around us, and help to foster healthier and calmer emotional states. Knowing how to regulate the nervous system is such a critical part of supporting PCOS, and any chronic health condition.
Peter is an AHPRA registered acupuncturist and chinese medicine practitioner in Torquay, Victoria.
Peter loves supporting clients make sustainable, holistic lifestyle change so they can be at their best.
