What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? James Jensen

James Jensen Functional Medicine Practitioner Australian Nutrition Centre

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. Whilst its name infers that it’s just a problem of the ovaries, it really does affect the whole body, and is the most common endocrine problem in women and one of the leading reasons for female infertility. It’s not uncommon for women to also experience depression, or other 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.

Diagnosis can be complex, as many patients may have cysts on their ovaries without having met other diagnostic criteria like excess androgens or issues with blood sugar regulation. A combination of pathology testing with confirmed cysts on the ovaries, and consideration of all other physical symptoms is the most reliable way to diagnose PCOS. Because of its complex nature, many patients are misdiagnosed or not treated appropriately.

It’s important not to underestimate the emotional toll PCOS can cause. For many women, symptoms affecting their physical appearance, such as acne, weight gain and excess body hair, can be very distressing. Often, they have tried numerous strategies to rid themselves of these issues, not realising they are in fact symptoms of PCOS and need to be treated holistically.

Typical treatments for PCOS can include oral contraceptives to reduce testosterone, or metformin to reduce blood glucose levels. While some women respond well to these treatments, others benefit from a holistic approach that addresses their individual root causes and symptoms.

Because PCOS affects the whole body and how it can occur is not just specifically related to the ovaries, treating the whole of body is a must. This is where natural medicine can really excel.

The number one treatment I recommend for PCOS is diet and exercise. Sticking to an unprocessed diet low in refined sugars combined with regular exercise is essential for most.

Addressing any micronutrient deficiencies and having a closer look at some of the potential or exacerbating causes can often yield brilliant results for those who have not yet had success.

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 wishing to conceive, and it is one of the most rewarding parts of my job when I hear the news that “we’re expecting!”

If you suffer from the symptoms described, or have been diagnosed with PCOS and feel your treatment options could benefit from a personalised, holistic approach, it might be worth seeking advice from a qualified integrative health practitioner.

I’m a firm believer that women should not have to accept feeling a certain way ‘because that’s just how it is’, and that with a little digging to get to the root cause, it is possible to rebalance the hormones so you can feel your best.

What is it?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges.

Symptoms include: • Menstrual irregularity • Depression or other mood disorders • Weight gain • Acne • Unwanted hair growth

Tips to treating PCOS holistically

PCOS affects the whole body, not just the ovaries, so treating the whole body is a must.

Unprocessed, low in refined sugars diet Regular exercise Identify and treat micronutrient deficiencies