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Bubbles of my Ovaries? Is that PCOS?

Written by Corinne Mahshi, BA in Neuroscience and Sociology 

Edited by Dr Nataliya M Kushnir, MD, DTM

PCOS causes abdominal pain and cramps

The Story

Lately, Elena had been feeling off. Her once predictable menstrual cycle had turned erratic, and she found herself tired more often than not. She tried to ignore the persistent whispers in the back of her mind, attributing it to stress or the change in seasons. Yet, the weight gain was undeniable, and the stubborn acne that had plagued her since her teenage years had returned with a vengeance. Her friends and family noticed the changes, offering concerned glances and gentle suggestions that she visit the doctor.


Elena finally scheduled an appointment with a well-respected gynecologist in town. She felt a knot in her stomach as she sat in the cold exam room, flipping through a magazine that was two years out of date. When Doctor finally entered, her smile was warm, but her eyes searched Elena's with a professional curiosity that made her even more nervous.


The doctor listened intently as Elena recounted her symptoms, nodding thoughtfully. After a thorough examination and a series of tests, Doctor gently broke the news: Elena had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The words hung in the air like a fog that wouldn't lift, confusing and suffocating. Elena felt the walls of the room closing in on her as she tried to process the diagnosis. Doctor explained that PCOS could affect her fertility and increase her risk for other health issues, such as diabetes and heart disease. The uncertainty of what this meant for her future filled her with dread.


What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women, characterized by the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries, irregular menstrual cycles, and elevated levels of androgens (male hormones). PCOS can cause a variety of health issues, including insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes, and it is often associated with obesity. The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.


PCOS Symptoms
  • The symptoms of PCOS vary widely among women, but here are the common:

  • Irregular or absent menstrual periods

  • Excessive hair growth (hirsutism), particularly on the face, chest, and back

  • Acne or oily skin

  • Weight gain, especially around the abdomen

  • Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp

  • Difficulty conceiving (infertility)

  • Darkening of the skin, particularly around the neck, groin, and under the breasts

  • Skin tags, especially in areas where the skin folds


PCOS and Infertility

PCOS is a leading cause of infertility due to its impact on ovulation. The hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS can prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation), making it difficult to conceive. Even when ovulation occurs, the irregular menstrual cycles typical of PCOS can make it hard to determine the timing of ovulation, further complicating efforts to conceive. Additionally, the insulin resistance often seen in PCOS can exacerbate fertility issues, as it affects hormone levels and ovarian function.


Inflammation in PCOS

Chronic low-grade inflammation is commonly observed in individuals with PCOS and is thought to contribute to insulin resistance. Inflammatory markers are often elevated in PCOS, and this inflammation can increase symptoms like hyperandrogenism (elevated levels of male hormones) and irregular menstrual cycles.


Preventative Treatment

While there is no cure for PCOS, several lifestyle changes and treatments can help manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term health complications. Preventative strategies include:

  • Healthy Diet and Regular Exercise: Maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity can help manage weight and improve insulin sensitivity, which may reduce the severity of PCOS symptoms.

  • Weight Management: Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can help regulate menstrual cycles, improve insulin resistance, and increase the likelihood of ovulation.

  • Monitoring and Managing Other Health Conditions: Regular check-ups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glucose levels can help manage associated conditions like diabetes and heart disease.


Natural Remedies for PCOS

Supplements is always our choice!


Inositol: This naturally occurring compound, particularly in the forms of Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol, has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and promote ovulation in women with PCOS. It also helps regulate menstrual cycles and reduce the risk of metabolic complications.


Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil and certain plant oils, omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with PCOS. These fatty acids may also improve insulin sensitivity and heart health.


Vitex Agnus-Castus (Chaste Tree Berry): This herbal supplement is traditionally used to balance hormones and regulate menstrual cycles. Some studies suggest that Vitex may help reduce the levels of prolactin, a hormone that can interfere with ovulation, thereby improving fertility.


Cinnamon: Cinnamon has been studied for its potential to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate menstrual cycles in women with PCOS. It may also help reduce blood sugar levels.


N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): NAC is an antioxidant that has shown promise in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing oxidative stress in individuals with PCOS. It also helps regulate ovulation and improve fertility outcomes.


Vitamin D: Vitamin D supplementation improves total testosterone, which can increase male fertility outcomes.


Vitamin E: Vitamin E supplementation has been shown to improve endometrial thickness in women with idiopathic (unexplained) infertility.


Red Light Therapy


red light treatment for PCOS


How does it work?

Red light therapy is a painless and noninvasive treatment that places laser light on the skin and penetrates underlying tissues with specific wavelengths of light. This can regenerate depleted cell populations to improve organ function, reduce inflammation, and enhance tissue repair.


Benefits for PCOS:
  1. Reduction of Inflammation: Red light therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation, a factor in PCOS-related infertility. By decreasing inflammation, red light therapy may help alleviate some of the reproductive organ dysfunction that leads to difficulties in conceiving.

  2. Improvement in Insulin Sensitivity: The therapy's ability to enhance cellular energy production can aid in better glucose metabolism and weight management.

  3. Support for Hormonal Balance: By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, red light therapy may also contribute to a more balanced hormonal environment, which is crucial for regulating menstrual cycles and improving fertility in women with PCOS.

  4. Immunotherapy


What does the immune system have to do with infertility?

Although PCOS is primarily considered a hormonal disorder, research suggests that immune system dysfunction, including chronic low-grade inflammation, may contribute to the development and progression of PCOS symptoms. So, allergy to environment or food can be a serious disruptor of the immune system.


women with cat allergy


How Immunotherapy Can Help
  1. Immunotherapy involves modulating the immune system to reduce inflammation and restore balance through these mechanisms:

  2. Subcutaneous Allergy Shots: Administering small doses of the allergens that cause a reaction can reduce the immune system's hyperactivity and may lead to improved fertility outcomes. Click to learn more about Allergy Shots.

  3. Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): SLIT is a form of immunotherapy that does not involve needles but has the same benefits by administering drops of allergens under the tongue. Click here to learn more about SLIT.

  4. Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Certain immunomodulatory drugs that target inflammatory pathways may help reduce the chronic inflammation associated with PCOS. These treatments improve insulin sensitivity, reduce androgen levels, and help regulate menstrual cycles by lowering inflammation.

  5. Monoclonal Antibodies: These are laboratory-made molecules designed to target specific immune system components. Research into the use of monoclonal antibodies to target inflammatory cytokines involved in PCOS is ongoing, potentially offering a new avenue for treatment.

  6. Immune System Modulators: Drugs that can modulate the immune system's activity, such as those used in autoimmune diseases, are being investigated for their potential to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in PCOS. These treatments could help normalize hormone levels and improve fertility outcomes by reducing the immune-related disruptions that contribute to the syndrome.


By combining lifestyle modifications with appropriate natural treatments, women with PCOS can manage their symptoms effectively and achieve excellent fertility and overall health.



Current Research and Future Directions

Although immunotherapy is not yet a standard treatment for PCOS, ongoing research into the immune system's role in the disorder is promising. As our understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms involved in PCOS deepens, targeted immunotherapies may become a valuable addition to the existing treatment options. Future clinical trials will help determine the safety and efficacy of these therapies, offering new hope for individuals struggling with the symptoms of PCOS.


Incorporating immunotherapy into the management of PCOS could represent a significant shift in how the condition is treated. It would focus not only on hormonal and metabolic aspects but also on the underlying immune dysfunction that may drive many of the symptoms. Resetting the immune system may enhance fertility treatment outcomes.




Sources

1. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)(https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pcos/conditioninfo/treatments/infertility)


2. World Health Organization (WHO): 


3.  Talukder F, Karim M, Sheikh N. Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Interventions in the Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). J Integr Med. 2022 Aug;20(4):296-305. DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.06.003. Available from: NCBI.


4.   Lee JH, Lee HJ, Yoon DS, Kim YH. Effect of low-level laser therapy on abdominal obesity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Photomed Laser Surg. 2017 Aug;35(8):401-407. DOI: 10.1089/pho.2017.4297. Available from: [PubMed](https://pubmed.nc)

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