PCOS – tips for management including fertility acupuncture treatment
PCOS – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - is a common endocrine-metabolic disorder affecting up to 15% of reproductive-aged women and is the leading cause of menstrual disorders and anovulatory infertility in women. It is characterised by an excess of androgens, or male sex hormones. It’s not a single condition and there are actually four main types of PCOS with different contributing factors. These types are Insulin-resistant PCOS (the most common), Post-Pill PCOS (not usually insulin-resistant), Inflammatory PCOS and Adrenal PCOS.
The main drivers of PCOS are Insulin resistance, inflammation and stress, and managing PCOS involves making lifestyle changes to address the underlying cause.
Effective lifestyle changes include:
- Eating a balanced diet with plenty of good fats and proteins, whole foods, and low-glycaemic overall and including apple cider vinegar which may help to manage blood sugar.
- Cleaning up your diet further by avoiding ultra processed foods and trans fats which can interfere with hormones.
- Effective stress management to reduce cortisol.
- Getting enough sleep – crucial for hormone regulation.
- Getting nutritionist advice regarding supplements such as myo-inositol, omega 3, and magnesium.
- Maintaining a healthy weight as being under or overweight can exacerbate symptoms.
- Having regular acupuncture sessions to support your reproductive health and help to manage PCOS symptoms. A large number of clinical studies have shown that acupuncture is effective for regulating hormone levels, promoting ovulation, and attenuating insulin resistance in patients with PCOS.
Useful reading
Glucose Revolution The life-changing power of balancing your blood sugar – Jessie Inchauspe
Ultra-Processed People – Chris van Tulleken
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