September is PCOS Awareness Month!
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a condition due to insulin resistance. Women with PCOS experience a hormonal imbalance as insulin stimulates secretion of testosterone by the ovaries. Diet and stress are major risk factors to PCOS. Diets high in refined carbohydrates (starchy, sugary foods) can lead to insulin resistance. When we are in a state of chronic stress, we pump out a lot of cortisol regularly. Cortisol raises our blood sugar and requires out body to produce insulin to manage it.
Symptoms of PCOS can include weight gain, irregular periods, unwanted facial hair, hair thinning, hair loss, acne, and infertility.
Metformin is frequently prescribed to patients with PCOS. Metformin helps get blood sugar under control. However, there are ways to regulate your blood sugar with diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
How does acupuncture fit in?
Regular acupuncture sessions can reduce testosterone, regulate ovulation (and regulate menstruation), and reduce stress. Acupuncture is recommended for 3 months prior to TTC to be more effective.
When I am working with anyone with hormonal imbalance or trying to conceive I will order labs, including hormones on cycle day 3 and cycle day 21. These labs include full thyroid panel, hormone levels, vitamin D, and maybe a few others depending on your history. Why CD3 and CD21? Well, looking at CD3 of your menstrual cycle helps us determine the “baseline” of your hormones. On CD21 (or 7 days past ovulation), we look at progesterone to see if you have ovulated. Depending on your labs, an individualized supplementation plan will be recommended.
Reducing environmental hormonal exposure and making changes to your diet have been also shown in research to be very effective in managing PCOS and improving overall health.
Questions? Email me!
In health,
Dr. Candace