| With each menstrual cycle, follicles grow on the | | | | might also be problems with the liver's ability to bind |
| ovaries. These follicles contain the eggs from which a | | | | excess hormones, meaning that the amount of |
| foetus develops if the egg is fertilised. A mature egg | | | | hormones (i.e. estrogen and testosterone) circulating |
| is then released into the fallopian tube (ovulation) and | | | | in the blood is not being properly regulated. |
| the remaining eggs disintegrate. In PCOS, the ovaries | | | | The most popular conventional treatment for PCOS |
| are larger than normal due to a number of | | | | or other hormone related problems tends to be the |
| undeveloped follicles. In some cases, women who | | | | low dose contraceptive pill. The pill helps 'regulate' the |
| have PCOS may not even know they have it | | | | monthly cycle but the only drawback is, when you |
| because it does not cause any symptoms. However, | | | | stop taking it the problems re-occur. Thus, the pill will |
| if there is a hormonal imbalance, this is where | | | | only ever be a temporary solution. Additionally, the |
| problems can arise. | | | | side effects from taking the pill are extremely |
| In more extreme cases of PCOS, a person maybe | | | | unpleasant and for this reason, the pill is best avoided. |
| overweight, suffer with mood swings, heavy, scant | | | | The best way to improve the symptoms of PCOS is |
| or no periods, acne and prone to growing excess | | | | the natural way. Before embarking on conventional |
| bodily hair (hirsutism). PCOS can also affect fertility | | | | treatment, always look to nature first to try and |
| and there is a stronger risk of developing type-two | | | | resolve health conditions. Preferably, it is best to do |
| diabetes. | | | | this well before problems occur. Dietary |
| *A common finding in women with PCOS because | | | | improvements (fresh organic fruit, vegetables, fresh |
| their body cells are resistant to the sugar-control | | | | juices and whole grains) are always the first step to |
| hormone insulin. This insulin resistance prevents cells | | | | take as this alone can improve symptoms within |
| using sugar in the blood normally and the sugar is | | | | weeks if not days. Other changes that can help are |
| stored as fat. Dr David Cahill, consultant senior | | | | lifestyle changes, i.e. physical activity, herbs, vitamin |
| lecturer on obstetrics and gynaecology. | | | | and mineral supplements and a liver detox (also know |
| The reason for the growth of the follicles is due to | | | | as liver cleanse). A liver detox may help to remove |
| an imbalance of Lutetinizing Hormone (LH), which | | | | blockages such as gallbladder stones thus improving |
| controls the eggs development and eventual release | | | | its ability to detoxify and remove excess hormones |
| from the ovary plus an excess of the male hormone, | | | | from the body. |
| testosterone. LH is released by the pituitary gland in | | | | Always consult a health practitioner before embarking |
| the brain. | | | | on the liver cleanse. Also, seek the advice of a |
| The cause of PCOS is not definitive, but it has been | | | | qualified herbalist before taking herbs and/ or |
| suggested that it may be due to the ovary's inability | | | | supplements to avoid contraindications with |
| to produce hormones in the right quantity. There | | | | medication. |