How to Support Your Body When Managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder in which womens’ reproductive hormones are imbalanced, creating problems in the ovaries due to small sacs of fluid called cysts that develop along the outer edge of the ovary. The ovary typically makes and releases eggs each month as part of the menstrual cycle, but in PCOS the ovaries fail to release eggs during ovulation. This condition is typically accompanied by a list of common symptoms and characteristics, but managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is possible.
A Polycystic Ovary Syndrome diagnosis is not marked by one specific test but the above characteristics as well as imaging of the ovaries and lab testing.
The exact cause of why Polycystic Ovary Syndrome develops is not completely understood, but there are a couple symptoms seen that are internal factors to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome developing:
higher levels of androgens (male hormones)
insulin resistance
A Polycystic Ovary Syndrome diagnosis isn’t an end-all, though. Whether or not you suspect you have PCOS or have been given a PCOS diagnosis, there are always methods for managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. The key is to understand the mechanisms of how Polycystic Ovary Syndrome develops to form a starting point for supporting healing in the body.
We want to ask:
Why are androgens imbalanced and,
how can we reverse insulin resistance
Androgens and insulin are hormones and while there are different mechanisms behind these hormones, it’s important to remember that hormones are not a root cause. There is a mechanism causing hormones to be imbalanced. This is the key to managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome within the body.
The liver is highly involved in hormone conversion and plays a key role in managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. While it’s able to do a lot, it can get overburdened and become sluggish. Daily functions of the liver include carbohydrate, fat, protein metabolism, filtering toxins and removing waste. Years or history of medication use, environmental toxins, stress, a diet lacking key nutrients or fiber to support liver function can contribute to the liver becoming overburdened and basic functions including hormonal conversion can be compromised.
To start healing your hormones, start with basic liver support.
Here’s my top 3 ways to start supporting your liver, which, in turn will help your body with managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:
Tip #1 for Managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Dial in blood sugar management.
Nutrition is the main factor impacting blood sugar, and it’s important to monitor this when managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. At meals focus on 25-30 grams of protein while also including fiber-rich foods (whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Check out this post to learn what kinds of foods that can include). Other strategies include: movement such as taking a 10 min walk after larger meals, spacing out meals so your body and digest properly, and eating within the first 30-60 mins of waking up. Stress management is a biggie for blood sugar, too, believe it or not.
Tip #2 for Managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Include specific liver supportive foods to your meals.
Turns out eating your fruits & veggies is actually researched based. Vegetables including kale, broccoli, beets, collard greens, carrots, cabbage are most highly recommended for their active compounds that provide distinct benefits to your liver, helping with managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Some of the compounds include sulforaphane, beta-carotene, diindolylmethane and betaine which are antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anticancer. Fruits including lemon, papaya, pomegranate, banana provide other antioxidant nutrients such as citric acid, lycopene and pectin.
Tip #3 for Managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Boost minerals
Minerals are necessary for managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome because it aids liver support because they regulate basic functions of the cell. We need cells to function optimally and that starts with adequate mineral levels. I’ve got a free resource for where to start with minerals right here for ya.