10 NATURAL WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM INFERTILITY CAUSED BY PCOS

Infertility caused by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is currently considered the most common form of infertility. But what exactly is this syndrome, and how can you tackle the infertility it causes by natural means?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - what is it?

Polycystic ovary syndrome, sometimes known as polycystic ovarian disease, is an endocrine disorder that leads to disturbances of the menstrual cycle and of metabolism, infertility and increased androgen secretion, and it affects the way the ovaries work. It is a metabolic condition associated with raised insulin in the blood as well as with sugar intolerance.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Well-known signs and symptoms of PCOS are failure to ovulate, excess body hair (hirsutism), menstrual irregularities, obesity and acne. Severe cases show all of these signs and symptoms, while in milder cases they do not all appear, or not to the same degree.

What causes infertility in PCOS?

Infertility is usually due to an inability to ovulate as a result of excessive production of male hormones - androgens (testosterone) - and insufficient production of progesterone and oestrogen by the ovary. Because of the low amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the androgens cannot be converted into oestrogens, and the follicles are unable to mature.

How can you tackle PCOS infertility by natural means?

Research has shown that most cases of infertility caused by ovulation problems can be prevented through changes in diet and lifestyle in general. This is therefore a good place to start. There are several key factors that may play a role in PCOS infertility. Working out what is effective in your case can determine the first type of treatment.

→ Managing blood insulin

Insulin resistance has been observed to cause excessive androgen production by the ovaries. Insulin resistance goes hand in hand with weight problems, particularly around the waist (deep, abdominal fat = fat around the internal organs). On the other hand, insulin resistance can also be found in people who are not actually overweight. If you are overweight and have PCOS infertility, it is wise to lose fat as well as to correct the insulin resistance. Insulin resistance means that the cells do not respond to insulin each time it arrives with a fresh batch of blood sugar. It is usually due to the exhaustion of the tissues' insulin receptor sites by a diet high in processed and simple carbohydrates. This leads to excess glucose in the blood vessels and not enough inside the cells. As a result, it leads to fatigue and sluggishness, a greater likelihood of microbial infections (because of the excess glucose outside the tissues), and diabetic problems.

→ Managing testosterone & promoting ovulation and menstruation

The unnecessary androgens (testosterone) come from the excess luteinising hormone (LH) that your body produces in greater amounts than FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). This in turn produces immature eggs that never reach the point of ovulation but instead form small growths in the ovaries. One type of oestrogen can be converted into testosterone in fat cells, which is one more reason to make sure you reduce your body weight if it is high.

Stabilising your body's hormones and allowing your body to produce enough hormones to ovulate and sustain a pregnancy is the key, and the end goal, of every treatment approach to PCOS infertility.

What should you do?

# 1. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, soft drinks, sweets, juices containing glucose and refined carbohydrates (white bread, biscuits, chocolates, lollipops, etc.).

# 2. Eat moderate, healthy, protein-rich meals roughly every three hours so that you can balance your own blood sugar levels.

# 3. Start regular exercise - both aerobic and strength training

# 4. Include cinnamon in your food. It has been found to improve insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS. Porridge oats are a wonderful way to add a little cinnamon straight into your daily diet, along with apples baked in the oven, sprinkled with a little cinnamon and crushed nuts.

# 5. Cut out dairy products completely, as well as animal products (even when these may be natural and organic). This is because of the significant amount of hormones, inorganic sprays and herbicides, which are recognised endocrine disruptors. Vegetarian eating plans and diets rich in fibre have been found to be generally extremely valuable in cases where the hormonal balance is disturbed, including PCOS. Even if the animal has not received artificial hormones, it has produced its own hormones, which are reflected in dairy products and in various meats.

# 6. Excessive androgen production has been shown to respond to eating liquorice, so include plenty of liquorice in your diet; look for it in a retail shop.

# 7. Eat much more of: beans, basil, cayenne pepper, chestnut, chives, aubergine, garlic cloves, ginger, courgette, leek, nutmeg, pepper, wheat, rosemary, spearmint and turmeric extract.

# 8. Minimise stress with yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep, routine workouts, lavender tea and linden tea.

# 9. See a herbalist or homeopath, as many herbal treatments have been shown to treat PCOS successfully.

# 10. Take a high-quality multivitamin tablet as well as fish oil (make sure it has been tested for mercury and stabilised with vitamin E).