Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition impacting roughly one in four women of reproductive age. The condition is characterized by elevated androgen levels which leads to the formation of water-containing cysts on the ovaries as well as ovarian dysfunction (e.g. amenorrhea). Since the conventional treatments to manage PCOS fail to address the root cause of PCOS: poor metabolic health, insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, today’s show we discuss natural ways to reverse the driving PCOS.
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Studies Mentioned
Witchel, S. F., & Plant, T. M. (2020). Intertwined reproductive endocrinology: Puberty and polycystic ovary syndrome. Current Opinion in Endocrine and Metabolic Research, 14, 127–136. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.coemr.2020.07.004
Stefanaki, C., Bacopoulou, F., Kandaraki, E., Boschiero, D., & Diamandi-Kandarakis, E. (2019). Lean Women on Metformin and Oral Contraceptives for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Demonstrate a Dehydrated Osteosarcopenic Phenotype: A Pilot Study. Nutrients, 11(9), 2055. http://doi.org/10.3390/nu11092055
Moghetti, P., & Tosi, F. (2020). Insulin resistance and PCOS: chicken or egg? Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, 44(2), 233–244. http://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-020-01351-0
Scarfò, G., Daniele, S., Fusi, J., Gesi, M., Martini, C., Franzoni, F., et al. (2022). Metabolic and Molecular Mechanisms of Diet and Physical Exercise in the Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Biomedicines, 10(6), 1305. http://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10061305
Witchel, S. F., & Plant, T. M. (2020). Intertwined reproductive endocrinology: Puberty and polycystic ovary syndrome. Current Opinion in Endocrine and Metabolic Research, 14, 127–136. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.coemr.2020.07.004
Optimal management of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescence. (2015). Optimal management of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescence, 1–8. http://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2014-306471&domain=pdf&date_stamp=2015-06-22
Time Stamps
00:04 PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is about 1 in 5 of women of childbearing age.
00:26 The root cause of PCOS is poor metabolic health.
01:54 Ovaries hyper secrete androgens that are linked with challenges within the ovaries and the formation of water-forming cysts.
02:39 Hormonal birth control is frequently prescribed to increase sex hormone binding globulin and neutralize the elevated androgens.
04:04 Some cytochrome P450 enzymes are involved in the formation of steroid-like hormones, like testosterone.
05:04 Insulin and IGF-1 increase the activity of a cytochrome P450 enzyme called CYP17A1, which then increases testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and DHEA within the ovaries.
06:36 Excessive levels of androgens cause hair loss, infertility, lack of ovulation, and cause the formation of water forming cysts within the ovaries.
08:24 Autoimmunity often co-occurs with PCOS.
08:44 Deliberate cold exposure helps metabolic health by stimulating brown and beige fat cells.
09:54 Metabolic health increases the activity of enzymes that create hormones. It does the inverse in men and women.
10:04 Men’s poor metabolic health drives the formation of extra estrogen.
10:14 Women’s poor metabolic health drives the formation of extra testosterone.
12:44 97% of obese women have PCOS. 65% of non-obese women have PCOS.
13:14 Fat cells secrete hormones, called adipocytokines. One of these is leptin.
13:54 Leptin decreases activity of T-regulatory cells that help to prevent autoimmunity.
16:04 Belly fat cells convert androgens into estrogens. This is impacted by insulin.
18:14 Nutrition and exercise are fundamental ways to address poor metabolic health.
18:24 A ketogenic or low carb diet is helpful because it manages blood sugar and insulin, and ketones have immune signaling properties.
19:24 Intermittent fasting can support glycemic variability and improve insulin sensitivity.
19:46 Time restricted feeding with a 16 or 18 hour fast is also helpful for longevity, burning fat, and supporting metabolic health.
20:14 Poor sleep exacerbates insulin resistance. Tape your mouth shut when you sleep.
21:24 Resistance training decreases androgens in women with PCOS. All exercise supports underlying metabolic dysfunction.
22:24 Magnesium is helpful for supporting insulin sensitivity.
23:15 Myo-inositol and inositol makes ovaries more sensitive to insulin, preventing the increase in androgens.
24:04 Vitamin D is involved in blood sugar regulation, immune health, and sleep quality.
24:19 Gut health is important to metabolic health. Eat real food and ferments.
24:54 Berberine hydrochloride, 500 mg 1 to 3 times per day, is a natural Metformin.
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