James Jensen Functional Medicine Practitioner Australian Nutrition Centre
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
complex nature, many patients
sugars combined with regular
is a hormonal disorder causing
are misdiagnosed or not treated
exercise is essential for most.
enlarged ovaries with small cysts
appropriately.
on the outer edges. Whilst its name
It’s important not to underestimate
deficiencies and having a closer
the emotional toll PCOS can
look at some of the potential or
cause. For many women,
exacerbating causes can often
the whole body, and is the most
symptoms affecting their physical
yield brilliant results for those who
common endocrine problem in
appearance, such as acne, weight
have not yet had success.
women and one of the leading
gain and excess body hair, can be
reasons for female infertility. It’s
very distressing. Often, they have
not uncommon for women to also
tried numerous strategies to rid
experience depression, or other
themselves of these issues, not
infers that it’s just a problem of the ovaries, it really does affect
mood disorders, as well as physical symptoms like excess weight, acne and hirsutism (male-pattern hair growth on face, chest and back). The cause of PCOS is multifactorial and therefore the exact cause will vary from person to person, but there is evidence to suggest that lifestyle and excess stress hormones can be a contributing factor.
realising they are in fact symptoms of PCOS and need to be treated holistically.
Addressing any micronutrient
Depending on how many lifestyle changes the patient is willing to make, they generally start to see a significant improvement in symptoms and begin ovulating again within 3 – 6 months. This is especially important for women
Typical treatments for PCOS can
wishing to conceive, and it is one of
include oral contraceptives to
the most rewarding parts of my job
reduce testosterone, or metformin
when I hear the news that “we’re
to reduce blood glucose levels.
expecting!”
While some women respond well to these treatments, others benefit from a holistic approach that addresses their individual root
If you suffer from the symptoms described, or have been diagnosed with PCOS and feel your treatment options could benefit from a
Diagnosis can be complex, as many
causes and symptoms.
patients may have cysts on their
Because PCOS affects the whole
it might be worth seeking advice
ovaries without having met other
body and how it can occur is not
from a qualified integrative health
diagnostic criteria like excess
just specifically related to the
practitioner.
androgens or issues with blood
ovaries, treating the whole of body
sugar regulation. A combination of
is a must. This is where natural
pathology testing with confirmed
medicine can really excel.
cysts on the ovaries, and
The number one treatment I
how it is’, and that with a little
consideration of all other physical
recommend for PCOS is diet
digging to get to the root cause,
symptoms is the most reliable way
and exercise. Sticking to an
it is possible to rebalance the
to diagnose PCOS. Because of its
unprocessed diet low in refined
hormones so you can feel your best.
personalised, holistic approach,
I’m a firm believer that women should not have to accept feeling a certain way ‘because that’s just
The information provided by Australian Nutrition Centre is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided in this article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care.
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Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020
