With infertility on the rise, researchers have begun to focus on all of the possible causes. One of the most common leading causes seems to be Polycystic Ovary Syndrome also known as PCOS. PCOS has become so common that it now affects on average one in ten women worldwide! What could be causing this dramatic increase in a once unheard of health issue? It turns out there are a number of contributing factors that can lead to the development of PCOS. This article will help breakdown some of the signs and symptoms that can indicate you are at a higher risk. Because it is my job as a doctor to provide you with all-natural solutions to your health problems we will also discuss essential oils and supplements you can use.
What Is PCOS?
First things first, let’s talk about PCOS. Polycystic ovary syndrome is defined as a set of specific symptoms that occur. PCOS occurs due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Risk factors include obesity, lack of physical exercise, and family history. A diagnosis is based on two of the three findings: no ovulation, high levels of testosterone, and ovarian cysts. I cannot stress this enough, most individuals do not display ALL of these symptoms. Other conditions that can produce similar symptoms are adrenal hyperplasia, hypothyroidism, and high blood levels of Prolactin. PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder among women between the age of 18-44.
Signs & Symptoms
Due to the fact that there are so many different variations of PCOS that can occur it helps to have a list of signs and symptoms that can indicate you may have this condition. The following is a list of symptoms to watch out for:
- Thinning Hair At The Crown
- Headaches
- Brain Fog
- Anxiety Or Panic
- Fatigue
- Acne Or Oily Face
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Mood Changes
- Facial Hair
- Asthma Or Allergies
- Skin Tags
- Excess Upper Body Fat
- Cysts On Ovaries
- Weight Gain
- Insulin Resistance
- Miscarriages
- Irregular Or Absent Menstrual Cycles
- Pelvic Pain
- Infertility
- Inability To Lose Weight
- Painful Sex
- Darkening Or Thickening Of Skin
- Swelling Of Hands & Feet
- Painful Or Heavy Periods
- High Blood Pressure
What Is Your Body Saying?
The list of signs and symptoms that can indicate a higher risk of PCOS is extremely long. Unfortunately, most individuals who suffer from PCOS do not or will not display all of these symptoms. To make things even more difficult in dealing with PCOS the majority of these signs and symptoms can act as a precursor to the condition and also as a by-product of it! This means that while you may not have been overweight when you were diagnosed with PCOS, having it can lead you to become overweight. If you are overweight you may not have PCOS, but you are at an increased risk of developing it due to your excess weight!
Scary Numbers
Because there are so many different types and symptoms that can indicate you may have PCOS I want you to know the statistics. On average 75-80% of individuals experience an irregular menstrual cycle. About 70% of women with PCOS have unwanted facial hair. On average 55-80% experience weight gain or are obese. Anywhere between 40-70% of women experience hair loss with PCOS. Depression affects 28-64% of women with PCOS, while 34-57% of women have anxiety with PCOS. On average 30-50% of women with PCOS are also insulin resistant. Oddly enough only 20-39% of women with PCOS experience Polycystic ovaries! Unfortunately, PCOS affects one out of ten women worldwide!
Essential Options
Regrettably, there is no cure for PCOS. However, there are several things we can do to prevent and alleviate symptoms associated with PCOS. One of my favorite ways to help protect and heal my body naturally is through the use of essential oils. The following is a list of Essential Oils that can help prevent and ease PCOS symptoms:
- Clary Sage
- Sandalwood
- Thyme
- Lavender
- Cinnamon
- Cypress
- Chamomile
- Anise
The Oil Life Lives On
For those of you who have not been reading my blogs on hormones, you may want to catch up. The oils that appear to prevent and ease PCOS are a combination of the oils that help increase Progesterone, lower Testosterone, and balance out Estrogen levels. Most of these oils are also soothing in nature such as chamomile, lavender, clary sage, and sandalwood. While others are great for increasing circulation such as cinnamon and anise. One of my favorite things about using essential oils is the fact that the majority of them can be utilized in a number of ways. Please make sure that if you are taking any essential oil that it is safe to do so. Check the label on your essential oil of choice, it should tell you if it can be taken internally. If it does not say it can be on the label DON’T ingest it!
Supplement Options
Not everyone is as comfortable with essential oils. There are tons of individuals that prefer to have a supplement they can take daily. With that in mind the following is a list of all-natural supplements you can use to prevent or ease PCOS:
- Inositols
- Vitex
- Calcium D-Glucarate
- Melatonin
- Fish Oil
- Zinc
- NAC
- Cinnamon
- Chromium Picolinate
- Probiotics
All Natural
Again we see a similar situation where the supplements on this list are the same as the ones that increase Progesterone, Melatonin, balance Estrogen, and lower Testosterone. It is also important to point out that some of these supplements are also ideal for improving our digestion, such as Probiotics. If you would like more information on Probiotics and how to choose which ones are right for you to click here. I say it all the time because it is true, if you are looking to improve your health you NEED to detox regularly! Detoxing is our body’s way of flushing out toxins and any excess of hormones or building materials that are preventing it from functioning at its best. Think of it like your computer, it runs faster when it has less junk in its storage. For my top ten tips on how to improve your gut health click here.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Zucchini Grated & Drained
- 1 Flax Seed Egg
- ½ Cup Cashew Vanilla Yogurt
- 2 Cups Coconut Flour
- 1 Cup Avocado Oil
- ½ Avocado
- 2 oz Vegan Dark Chocolate
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- ¾ Cup Vegan Dark Chocolate Chips
- 1 tsp Cinnamon Ground
- 2 Cups Coconut Sugar
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- ½ tsp Maca Powder
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a double boiler melt 2 oz dark chocolate. Using a large bowl, combine flax egg, sugar, oil, avocado, yogurt, zucchini, vanilla, and melted chocolate. Mix well, stir in flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and maca. Once combined, fold in chocolate chips. Pour batter into greased bread loaf pans (9×5) and bake for 60-70 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Make sure you are not hitting a chocolate chip (we have all been there). Let cool for 5-10 minutes and enjoy!
Need a Helping Hand?
A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. Our health is something that we all have to deal with daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day then you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as just acting as a sounding board. Do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at DrDeeandMe@gmail.com or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!
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