The Complex Case of PCOS

This topic is deeply personal, it all started when my skin broke out terribly during my early 20s—it was so bad that I dreaded leaving the house, for work (but had no choice) or being social. I visited a few doctors and dermatologists, and eventually decided to try birth control (oral contraceptive pills, or OCPs) to clear up my skin. At the time, my focus was solely on fixing my skin, I didn’t really care to understand why the breakouts were happening.

The situation was painful and mentally draining, but soon after getting on the pill my skin settled. The clear-skin results were so rewarding that I continued taking them for three years, despite only having a 3-month prescription. These magic pills permitted me to lead my stressful, weekend binge drinking, junk-ridden lifestyle, with no tangible side effects…that was till I finally got off them. My body, which I had quieted with OCPs, started to make its needs known, and it wasn’t pretty. I won’t list all the issues that came up, but it was clear that I needed to make some real changes—changes that didn’t involve just popping pills, like I had been doing for years.

I now have the wisdom to know that while allopathic treatments have their time and place, they shouldn’t have been my first line of defence. Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), which contain synthetic forms of hormones like progesterone and estrogen, can significantly impact your body’s natural hormone balance and cortisol levels.

Your body’s normal hormonal rhythm gets disrupted, as the OCPs become boss, and in some cases may never return to “normal”. This interference can have a range of side effects beyond just acne, such as gut issues, weight fluctuation, low libido and even excessive facial hair. OCPs can also affect your metabolism and digestive system, leading to problems like bloating and changes in appetite. Since hormones- our body’s messengers, play a crucial role in regulating various functions, messing with them have a cascading effect, impacting everything from your skin to your overall energy levels.

Studies say 1 in 10 women are diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which seems conservative to me. To test this hunch I messaged a few whatapp groups (only girls obviously), and guess what? Over half of us have been diagnosed with PCOS, and others said it was assumed they had it, but no conclusive results. In fact, up to 70% of women with PCOS worldwide go undiagnosed. Granted this informal survey isn’t scientifically rigorous, but it is indicative enough to support my doubts.

Also, through my practise I meet many women who struggle with PCOS. The good news is it’s in your control to manage and fix the symptoms from its root.

So, what exactly is PCOS? Essentially, it’s a condition where the ovaries have many small cysts that are fluid-filled sacs. Typically, during ovulation, hormones signal the ovaries to release a mature egg, however, when we have PCOS hormone aren’t behaving as expected, leaving this process incomplete. Here’s the twist, we don’t have to have ovarian cysts to be diagnosed with PCOS. This is often referred to as ‘metabolic syndrome’- when we have other PCOS symptoms, minus the cysts.

Let’s break it down a bit more:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a bit of a mixed bag, and while we often talk about it in terms of symptoms and clinical features, there isn’t a standardized classification. To help make sense of the different symptoms, I’m breaking things down into four main categories. It’s pretty common to experience a combination of these issues—think of it as a full buffet of symptoms!

1. Insulin-Resistant PCOS: About 70% of us fall into this category. Here, your body has trouble processing carbohydrates, which leads to higher insulin levels and can make weight loss more challenging.
2. Post-Pill PCOS: This happens when PCOS-like symptoms pop up after stopping oral contraceptives. You might find that old symptoms return, or there are additions, and sometimes with a weakened gut.
3. Inflammatory PCOS: This type involves a gut that’s not functioning optimally, leading to increased levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). This can cause a range of symptoms, from eczema and acne to joint pain and psoriasis.
4. Hyperandrogenic PCOS: When stress isn’t managed well, it can lead to high levels of DHEA, a male sex hormone. This often shows up as excessive facial hair and other androgenic symptoms.

Apart from OCPs, which we discussed above, there are other options too, like metformin (also tried and tested by yours truly). The point is, before getting on these pills, let’s try a natural route first. Ultimately, finding the right approach involves more than just medication; it requires a holistic understanding of how your body works and a balanced approach to treatment. Making lifestyle changes is non-negotiable, while trying to efficiently and effectively reverse conditions like PCOS.

Here are a few changes that really helped me manage my PCOS:

• Support Your Gut: Healing starts here! Taking care of your gut can align a lot of other issues too. We recommend joining our popular 15-day gut cleanse program-a great place to start!
• Ensure you eat enough fruit: they aren’t the enemy, as most of us have been made to believe. They are whole foods that contain exactly what the body needs in the exact amount. Leading with glucose, because that’s what every food is converted to, before the body decides what’s next.
• Watch Your Grains: Grains (aka as active carbs) can spike blood sugar, so try to keep them in check and pair them with fiber-rich veggies. I usually do 1 part grain and 3 parts veggies. And some meals I skip the grain completely.
• Manage Stress: Stress is a part of life, but managing it is key. Whether it’s therapy, meditation, journaling, or something else that helps you unwind, finding your stress-busting method is essential.
• Stay Active: Sitting is the new smoking. Regular movement is important, especially with PCOS. Intense workouts may not be your thing, so focus on activities that build muscle, like lifting weights, yoga, pilates, or dance. Find what feels right for you!
• Choose Whole Foods: Packaged foods can be tough on your digestive system. Opt for whole, natural foods and foods that contain minimal ingredients (if in a packet). Your body and mind will thank you.

It’s tough to cover every aspect of PCOS in a single article since it’s such a diverse and individualist experience. Healing naturally can be challenging and a lengthy journey, but it’s truly the best way to make lasting, meaningful changes. Medications may be required, especially at the start of your healing journey as they help manage symptoms, but the goal is to fix our issues from its root, whether it’s PCOS or any other lifestyle disease. It’s important to remember medication often only masks the problem, and symptoms will return—sometimes with a vengeance.

For some extra motivation, check out Instagram page and you can read many testimonials too (not all clients are comfortable sharing images or details). It’s inspiring to see how taking control of your health can be empowering. Remember, true health is about more than just the absence of disease—it’s about thriving emotionally, mentally, and physically, and being able to live your life to the fullest.