Amanda Roe: Acupuncture and Clinical Hypnotherapist.
Call 087 6331898
Email: amanda@marketstclinic.com
I see a significant number of women who are suffering with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
This is a really serious condition for them with unpleasant symptoms caused by hormone imbalance.
Periods can become irregular, light or non-existent and cause difficulty in getting pregnant or infertility. Symptoms can include acne, weight gain, unstable blood sugar, ovarian cysts, pain mid cycle, excessive hair growth on the face or arms and hair loss on the head.
The root cause of PCOS is hormone imbalance due to resistance to insulin.
The good news is that because of the role of insulin in PCOS it is possible to improve fertility and manage PCOS symptoms with diet and other interventions.
When we eat food our body converts this to glucose. Glucose is then transported around the body where it is used by cells for energy. As glucose levels in our blood rise so does insulin. Insulin is an essential hormone produced in the pancreas and its job is to lower blood sugar levels by storing glucose in cells. Extra glucose, which is not used by the cells, will be converted into fat and stored in the abdominal region.
If cells become resistant to insulin, we end up with high levels of insulin and high sugar levels in the blood.
High insulin levels tell the ovaries to make more testosterone. Testosterone, which is often thought of as a male-only hormone, is actually produced by all women in small amounts.
It is the elevated levels of testosterone that leads to the unpleasant symptoms mentioned above.
Stress and a diet high in simple carbohydrates and processed foods are big factors in PCOS.
When someone with PCOS eats these foods, the receptors in their cells which are insulin-resistant, cause the pancreas to work overtime producing more and more insulin pushing testosterone higher.
Managing nutritional stress, as well as stress in your life, is particularly important because all forms of stress activate the release of cortisol, another essential hormone which further impacts your insulin levels. Chronic stress leads to nutritional deficiency, cortisol deficiency, unstable blood sugar, fatigue, foggy thinking and other symptoms.
Women with PCOS, find that they are always struggling with their weight because of unstable blood sugar and hormone imbalances and this can negatively affect their self-confidence and mood. They may also have gastrointestinal issues like gas, bloating, abdominal pain, IBS, food sensitivities and constipation. Cravings and emotional eating further fuel this vicious cycle.
It is possible to manage PCOS, improve symptoms mentioned above and have a family. However it takes time, therefore the sooner you start the better your chances are, as age also affects hormone balance and fertility levels.
On your own it can be challenging to know where to jump into this cycle, how to make the changes necessary and stay motivated until things are back within your control.
When I work with women with PCOS, I take a holistic approach, looking at mindset, diet, stress, emotional eating, craving, mood and hormone balancing. By creating a personalised tailored plan for you we work in achievable steps: It is possible to manage your PCOS and improve your overall health.
Amanda Roe is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Acupuncturist, Life and Health coach providing natural solutions that will improve your mental, emotional and physical health. For more information call/text 087 633 1898 or email amanda@roehealth.ie
