I have just been diagnosed with PCOS, and to be honest I am still a bit shocked. Although, the more reading I do, the more I can identify symptoms, namely excess hair, irregular periods (39-41 day cycle), I'm slim but have abdominal fat which I have never been able to shift, craving carbs and sugar, and irratic blood sugar levels.
So far I have deduced that a low carb diet is recommended. I already exercise approx 6 hours a week and have done for the last year or so, and drink lots of water and green tea. I've recently started taking a multivitamin, angus chaste, and evening primrose oil. Hoping to start trying for a baby next Spring.
Just wondered if anyone has any advise on managing PCOS?
X x
Hi nic.nics_rae,
it's not so much a low carb diet as a low glycaemic index (GI) diet that would be helpful. There are some useful online GI calculators, but basically you should avoid any refined carbs and sugar and always go for wholegrain options to help with blood sugar regulation. This dietary advice mostly just targets the insulin resistance that is often found with PCOS. It sounds like you are doing all the right things otherwise.
Agnus castus does help to regulate cycles, but there are other herbs more specific for the lack of oestrogen that occurs in PCOS and each individual suits some herbs more than others according to their constitution and other health factors. It might be worth seeing a medical herbalist to get a mixture of herbs tailored specifically for you. You can find a qualified one near you from this website: www.nimh.org.uk
Good luck!
Sorry to hear about your problem
In Chinese medicine, PCOS is usually attributed to "Damp" and "Phlegm" that obstructs the normal free-flow of Qi through the body. Damp is considered to be a precursor to Phlegm, and arises primarily from an excess of sweet foods, but more importantly, an excess of fried, greasy or spicy foods, or from cold, dairy foods, all of which deplete digestive function leading to an incomplete digestive process. Phlegm may arise from Damp, especially if there is Heat in the body arising from "Hot" foods and alcohol, or from heat that arises from Anger and Frustration that restricts Qi movement.
It's likely that you could regulate PCOS with a low GI diet, and possibly Metformin; however if you prefer a more natural approach, try to avoid worry, overthinking and frustration as these are thought to be the emotions that deplete digestion and impede Qi movement. Acupuncture can help to regulate your cycles, and help to relieve stress and tension.
Best wishes
David
Hello, to add another perspective, a further intepretation of ovary problems is that there's a connection to creativity (not surprising when you think of an ovary's function). So you might consider whether your life is sufficiently creative for you - in the widest sense- whether you can express yourself as you would like, for example, or whether you would want to make some changes. Sometimes changes to our lives can deeply affect our physical health.
Many complementary therapies including homeopathy are also found to help people with PCOS, and my advice would be to choose one that you feel attracted to, if you want to go down that path. HTH Hom
Pcos
Fieldremedies is absolutely 'spot on'. It is important to manage your carbs with PCOS and as a Personal Trainer and Complementary Therapist I recommend
The Low Gi Guide to Managing PCOS
By Dr Jennie Brand-Miller, Prof. Nadir R. Farid and Kate Marsh
Published by: Hodder Mobius books
I have met them all and studied their research - nothing short of fantastic! Well worth a read. You can get the book on Amazon for £8.99
Good luck.
Best wishes
Martin
When I was reading about PCOS I found this an invaluable resource: [url]Mary's Treatment PCOS FAQs[/url]. She's done all the hard work for you and rated what's most effective. Have a look over it, hopefully you'll find it useful.
Ava x