You've probably heard of PCOS, right? But if you don't have it, you might not really understand it. And even if you do have it, you might not understand what you can do to combat its symptoms. We'll cover it all in this guide - nutrition, exercise, and supplements. We'll even take a brief look at how conventional medicine addresses Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.



According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, the prevalence of PCOS may be as high as 20% among reproductive-aged women, based on broader diagnostic criteria.Azziz, R. (2016). Polycystic ovary syndrome. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 128(1), 181. That's right, 1 in 5 women of childbearing age could be affected by this syndrome. This figure has seen a stark increase from the estimated 5-10% only a few decades ago.March, W. A., Moore, V. M., Willson, K. J., Phillips, D. I., Norman, R. J., & Davies, M. J. (2010). The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in a community sample assessed under contrasting diagnostic criteria. Human Reproduction, 25(2), 544-551.



Now, if you're thinking, "It's just a hormone imbalance, right?", let's put things in perspective. PCOS isn't just about hormonal fluctuations or cosmetic effects. It's been linked with serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer.Barry, J. A., Azizia, M. M., & Hardiman, P. J. (2014). Risk of endometrial, ovarian and breast cancer in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Human Reproduction Update, 20(5), 748-758.



So, if you've been nonchalantly sweeping PCOS under the carpet, it's time to pull it out and face it head-on. By understanding what PCOS is, its connection with body weight, and how to optimize your lifestyle choices (we're talking about diet, exercise, and supplements), you can take proactive steps to manage this condition and embrace a healthier future.



Of course, being that Poolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a medical issue, it's important to work with an integrative doctor for a complete treatment plan. Hopefully this guide can help you in your conversation with him or her.



What is PCOS?



When you hear PCOS, you're likely picturing a medical condition with some kind of hormonal imbalance. While that's true, PCOS is much more than that. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a health disorder that affects women in their reproductive years. It's characterized by a variety of symptoms, including hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, and polycystic ovaries.Fauser, B. C., Tarlatzis, B. C., Rebar, R. W., Legro, R. S., Balen, A. H., Lobo, R., ... & Norman, R. J. (2012). Consensus on women’s health aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): the Amsterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored 3rd PCOS Consensus Workshop Group. Fertility and sterility, 97(1), 28-38.



But what does "polycystic" mean? It refers to the multiple small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) that form in the ovaries of women with PCOS. Now, don't be alarmed by the term "cysts". They are not harmful or cancerous. However, they do disrupt the normal functioning of the ovaries and often lead to hormone imbalances.Teede, H. J., Misso, M. L., Costello, M. F., Dokras, A., Laven, J., Moran, L., ... & Yildiz, B. O. (2018). Recommendations from the international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertility and sterility, 110(3), 364-379.



The most common hormones that go haywire in PCOS are insulin and androgens. Insulin is a hormone that regulates your blood sugar levels. When there's too much insulin, or when your body doesn't respond well to it (a condition known as insulin resistance), it could lead to an overproduction of androgens. Androgens are the so-called 'male' hormones, and while women naturally have them, higher levels can wreak havoc on your menstrual cycle and lead to PCOS symptoms.Goodarzi, M. O., Dumesic, D. A., Chazenbalk, G., & Azziz, R. (2011).