The general consensus is that 1 in 8 women globally are affected by PCOS today

I have serious doubts about these statistics and can’t help but to question the true prevalence of PCOS. How often does someone from your personal circle mention hormone struggles?

A woman in a meditative pose, embracing the power of calm for PCOS management.

Factor in the number of undiagnosed and misdiagnosed cases. Globally, the number of women dealing with PCOS adds up to a number far into the millions. 50 million is the current estimate but I’d wager it’s closer to double.

PCOS was first written about in 1935 and since then, it has become astonishingly common. Why then is it still being treated like an afterthought by medical professionals, who say there’s no cure?

If you’re reading this, you’re one of those lucky women. And if you’re anything like me, you believe that reversing PCOS naturally must be possible.

I have to place a disclaimer here that this blog is not medical advice, please do your own research, bla, bla, bla. You’re smart enough to understand that, which is why you’re here in the first place.

Let’s break down what PCOS is in the simplest of terms

Normal ovaries develop and release an egg during ovulation, while polycystic ovaries have many underdeveloped follicles that do not release an egg. Yay!

On an ultrasound, the first sign of PCOS are underdeveloped follicles that look like a “string of pearls" and the ovaries themselves can appear larger than usual.

However, it’s a lot more complicated than that as polycystic ovaries alone doesn’t mean that you have PCOS. There’s also Adrenal PCOS, which is a type of PCOS in which the adrenal glands produce excess androgens, but we’re not going to get into that right now.

The second criteria for ovarian PCOS are irregular or absent periods. Similarly, a lot of women with this type of PCOS have perfectly regular periods. No wonder it’s easily missed!

Last but not least, PCOS is diagnosed by looking at visible signs (facial hair, acne, male-pattern baldness) and blood work (elevated androgens like DHEAS, testosterone and other hormones such as LH, FSH, and prolactin).

The exact cause of PCOS remains a mystery

Ever heard the saying that genetics loads the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger?

Research points to several factors that play a role in PCOS and knowing what they are can help us to make informed decisions about our health.

1. Genetics: The risk of developing PCOS is greater if a mother, sister, or aunt has been diagnosed, though the specific gene(s) that causes this has not yet been identified. Sorry girls, not much you can do about this one!

2. Insulin Resistance: Insulin is the only hormone capable of storing fat, so be sure to pay special attention to this one. Keeping your blood sugar stable is key to reversing insulin resistance and preventing the ovaries from producing excess androgens.

3. Hormonal Imbalances: Women have been criminally mislead about the dangers of synthetic hormones (prescribed contraceptives) and exposure to endocrine disruptors in every day products. Consider taking herbs with well documented success in supporting a healthy menstrual cycle and if possible make sure that your sanitary products are organic.

4. Low grade inflammation: Metabolic issues such as insulin resistance can cause women with PCOS to have increased levels of inflammation in the body, which has been linked to higher levels of androgen production. This can be managed by practicing good sleep hygiene, regular resistance training, eating well and managing stress.

5. Environmental factors: Audit the ingredients in your beauty and household products. Find less toxic alternatives and make it a habit to be more conscious about the things you are consuming - that includes ditching fast fashion for natural fibers and shopping along the outer edges of the supermarket.

Conclusion

Reversing PCOS naturally is a journey that requires commitment and patience. By focusing on a nutrient-rich diet, incorporating regular exercise, and managing stress, you can significantly improve your symptoms and overall health. Remember, every small change counts. Start today by making one positive dietary choice, and gradually build on that foundation for a healthier future.

By taking control of your nutrition and lifestyle, you can empower yourself to manage PCOS effectively. Consider reaching out to a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs.