PCOS, Insulin Resistance & the Pill

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that is often a result of insulin resistance or widespread inflammation. When the body is not producing adequate insulin or is not using insulin efficiently, sugar levels in the blood rise. 

If a person becomes insulin resistant, the pancreas needs to make extra insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Because insulin is in excess, these high levels of blood sugar can cause hormone and glucose imbalance. Insulin resistance causes the ovaries to produce more androgens, which contributes to testosterone imbalance. When this happens, the ovaries develop cysts and can cause symptoms such as:

-Weight gain

-PMS

-Hair loss

-Infertility

-Amenorrhea

-Acne

-Estrogen dominance

-Menstrual spotting

-Anovulatory cycles

A common solution for PCOS is to put a woman on the birth control pill. Women are often told there is no permanent solution and the pill will solve their problems.Irregular periods are a common symptom of PCOS and putting a woman on the pill who experiences this, actually puts them at higher risk of never having a regular period again once they come off of the pill. 

Research has shown that women with irregular periods have a 30-40% increased risk of infertility after stopping the pill than women who experienced regular periods prior to starting it. There is also a 20-40% increase risk of miscarriage for those with PCOS. Prescribing the pill for women with PCOS can do much more harm than good.

Yes, these sound scary and if not treated, can be very disruptive and damaging. However, it is important to note that PCOS is 100% treatable and with diet and lifestyle changes! Since PCOS is exacerbated by inflammation and insulin resistance, sugar, dairy, trans fats, grains, artificial sweeteners and packaged and processed foods have to go. PCOS should be supported with meat, fish, vegetables, eggs, nuts, seeds, berries, spices and herbs. 

Natural minerals and supplements for PCOS:

-Magnesium

-Zinc

-Vitamin D

-Folate

-Tumeric

-Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry)

-Saw Palmetto

-Omega-3 Fatty Acids

-N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

-Berberine

-Evening primrose oil

PCOS is rooted in blood sugar dysfunction and inflammation. These natural supplements should be used to support a good diet and help the body rebuild and renew its natural hormonal function.