Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s woman’s ovaries, the reproductive organs that produce estrogen and progesterone. These hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and if not functioning correctly can change cycles, the ability to fall pregnanct and create other health issues. The word “polycystic” means 'many cysts'...
A polycystic ovary is not purely physical in origin and neither is it a simplistic result of hormonal imbalance. There are energetic, hormonal and physical situations all bound together and this is why my holistic approach offers a far better chance of bringing things back into balance as compared with an approach which seeks to manipulate hormonal levels without asking why they went out of balance in the first place.
Symptoms of PCOS
- Hair loss (male pattern baldness)
- Acne
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Infertility
- Weight gain
- Pelvic/period pain
- Darkening of the skin
- Hirsutism (male pattern hair growth)
A diet to help PCOS
A healthy PCOS diet should include the natural, unprocessed foods, low GI. Up to 70 percent of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning that their cells can’t use insulin properly. You should limit refined flours, oils, sugars and fast foods. A diet should include;
- Foods high in fibre like vegetable
- Fatty fish, including salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel
- Dark, leafy greens like spinach
- Dark red fruits, such as red grapes, blueberries, blackberries, and cherries.
- Brassicas such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts,
A few studies have found that thirty minutes of moderate exercise at least three days a week can help women with PCOS lose weight. Losing weight with exercise also improves ovulation and insulin levels (1).
McDowells Products
Polycystic Ovary Mix
This mix is taken three times daily, preferably in a glass of cold Rosehips Tea, and continued for 3 to 6 cycles to clear all existing ovarian cysts and to discourage the formation of new ones. Some women are best remaining on this mix for much longer and there is absolutely no harm in doing so.
I have many patients in practice who have benefited greatly by using a simple approach. Best to continue with the herbs for 6 months or so and afterward maybe a cup of red clover tea once or twice a week is all that is required after such a course.
References
(1) Exercise therapy in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review, Cheryce L. Harrison, 2010.
